Invisalign Treatment: Achieve a Straight, Beautiful Smile with Metal Braces

raditional braces use a system of metal wires, brackets, and ligatures (elastic bands) to apply gradual pressure on your teeth. Invisalign uses customized, removable plastic aligners to move your teeth incrementally to a straighter, healthier position. While both systems serve the same function, they differ in aesthetics, comfort, convenience, etc. 

Let’s take a closer look. 

• Appearance: Invisalign uses clear, nearly invisible aligners, while braces use metal or ceramic brackets and wires. Traditional braces work, but patients must contend with the conspicuous metal. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible when worn. Invisalign aligners are perfect for professionals, public figures, or anyone who wants a straight smile without the embarrassment of conventional braces. 
• Comfort: Invisalign aligners are created from smooth thermoplastic material. They don’t have sharp or rough edges, causing less irritation. Metal braces may cause discomfort due to brackets and wires.
• Convenience: Invisalign allows you to eat freely and brush easily but requires strict wear (22+ hours/day). Braces stay fixed. Patients must learn to brush and floss their teeth around the wires and brackets. Braces wearers must also avoid hard, chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, etc.  
• Treatment time: Invisalign is often faster for mild cases. 
• Dental visits: Metal braces require frequent adjustments to tighten the wires and replace elastic bands to ensure consistent pressure on the teeth. These adjustments are typically necessary every 3-4 weeks. For Invisalign, you should see the dentist every 6-8 weeks to monitor your treatment progress; that can be in person or virtually! The appointments are simple and quick, so you never have to worry about interrupted days at work or school.