Is Invisalign or Braces Faster?

Everyone’s top question about Invisalign is the ever-skeptical “Which is really faster: Invisalign or braces?”

The quick answer:

Treatment times do vary. However, Invisalign is reported to be faster than braces. 

Invisalign has an average treatment time of 6 – 18 months, while traditional braces typically take 12 – 36 months.

Something to keep in mind: 

Circumstances vary based on the patient’s needs, and braces treat severe cases that typically take longer. 

But let’s dive into why Invisalign can be so much faster.

What do Invisalign and braces fix?

Traditional braces and Invisalign are used to straighten teeth and fix bites. It’s vital to keep in mind these problems range from mild to severe.

These two orthodontic treatments fix common problems, including:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Misaligned or gapped teeth
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites

But:

How these procedures work and the severity of these problems make the orthodontic treatment times vary. In other words, the milder the problem, the shorter the treatment times (on average). 

How does the Invisalign process work?

Clear aligners like Invisalign…This text opens a new tab to the Invisalign.com website… all start with a consultation from your certified Invisalign provider, where you’ll both discuss:

• Whether or not you’re a candidate for this treatment
• The step-by-step process of your Invisalign journey

You’ll get fitted for custom, clear aligners by using a digital scanner if you’re a candidate.

This scanner digitally takes impressions of your bite and teeth, so you don’t have to endure uncomfortable, goopy impressions.

Not to mention:

It makes your orthodontic treatment results more predictable and accurate.

Your digital impressions are sent to the company, where they’ll craft your clear aligner. You’ll receive your new aligner in a couple of weeks and change them out every two weeks.

While you’re out and about living your life:

These aligners place gentle pressure on your teeth and jaw to align them over time.

Clear aligners have some limitations because they are made of only one material and follow a preset treatment course.

Because of this, the Invisalign process length varies.

You’ll also have to be diligent in your compliance with wearing them. Forgetting to put them in after eating can cause your treatment time to become longer.

Making the process faster for Invisalign

We know you’ll want the process to go as quickly as possible.

Here are a few quick tips for Invisalign:

• Wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This is the number one tip to keep your Invisalign treatment as short as possible.
• Clean your teeth and aligner trays before putting your clear aligners back in place. Additional problems can arise from dirty teeth or trays, causing delays in your treatment.
• Change your aligners as scheduled, so you know you’re staying on track. 
• Don’t skip your in-office visits because your dentist is there to check progress and update your orthodontic treatment (which is beneficial to you if your teeth are responding really well). 

Should you get Invisalign?

Honestly:

That answer depends on your dentist’s recommendations.

They have the training and certifications to decide the best treatment method to achieve your straight smile and healthy bite.

And getting your best smile fast starts with choosing the right dentist. 

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist and certified Invisalign provider in Columbus, GA, or surrounding communities, we invite you for a consultation with Dr. T. Lance Collier.  

His years of experience straightening smiles will ensure your treatment goes smoothly, as quickly as possible, and ends with a healthy, confident smile. 

Book your Invisalign consultation at TLC Dental today. You’ll be cared for like family while receiving the clear solution for a straighter smile.

Or:

• Call us at (706) 494-2844
• Email us at drcollier@drlancecollier.com 

T. Lance Collier, DMD, LLC is located in Columbus, GA…Click to open a new window to Google Maps…, and serves patients from surrounding communities, including Phenix City, Midland, Pine Mountain, Hamilton, West Point, Valley, Ft Mitchell, Buena Mista, Cataula, Ft Benning, Crawford, Salem, Smiths, LaGrange, Auburn, Opelika, Harris County, and Seale.