Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years, with more options than ever before to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile. So, it’s natural to feel confused and unsure about which treatment might be right for your orthodontic needs. We'll explore what clear aligners are, the benefits of Invisalign, and how it compares to traditional braces in terms of effectiveness, convenience, and cost.
Two of the most popular options for orthodontic treatment are traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. While both options are effective for correcting a range of orthodontic issues, there are some key differences between the two. If you require more information about our orthodontic treatment, give our clinic a call to book a free consultation with our dentists in Coquitlam.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are an advanced type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to move the teeth through constant but gentle pressure, clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing. Each set of aligners is worn for a specified period of time (usually about two weeks), before being replaced by the next set in the series.
Invisalign is one of the most popular brands of clear aligners which has been used by millions of people around the world to achieve a straighter smile. Invisalign was first introduced in 1999 and has since become known for its advanced technology, precision, and convenience. Their materials are far more advanced than other clear aligner brands and paired with advanced precision for custom fitment, often provides better results than the competition.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are several benefits to using Invisalign clear aligners for orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. These can include:
- Discreet Appearance: One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its discreet appearance since the aligners are made of clear plastic. They also have a snug fit over your teeth which helps make them virtually invisible. This can be especially appealing to adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing metal braces as they stand out against white teeth and bulge outwards.
- Removable Aligners: Another benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment and can also allow for more flexibility in your diet.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic that is less likely to irritate the gums and cheeks than traditional metal braces. These trays are custom fitted to your teeth so you’ll achieve a snug fit each time.
- Fewer Office Visits: Invisalign typically requires fewer office visits than traditional braces, as there are no adjustments to brackets and wires. Instead, patients simply receive a new set of aligners every few weeks.
- Precision: Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to create a highly precise treatment plan tailored to each patients’ unique needs. This can result in a more efficient and effective treatment process.
Are there any drawbacks to Invisalign?
While the advantages about Invisalign sound amazing and offer far more advantages over traditional braces, there are also some key differences (and drawbacks) between the two. When you book your free consultation for Invisalign in Coquitlam, our dentists will go over the pros and cons for you at an individual level, so you’ll know which option is best for you.
Invisalign's effectiveness
Invisalign is highly effective for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding, spacing, and mild bite issues. However, for more complex cases, traditional braces may be a better option. Braces can exert greater force on the teeth, making them better suited for correcting more severe orthodontic problems.
Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed, and the length of treatment. In general, Invisalign treatment tends to be similar compared to traditional braces, at times even cheaper as traditional braces require a special visit to an orthodontist for consultations, more frequent check ups and so on.
In addition to the many benefits of Invisalign mentioned earlier, an orthodontist isn’t required for Invisalign treatment and our dentists are recognized as Invisalign Gold Plus Providers in Coquitlam. To learn more about if Invislaign treatment is right for you, give us a call to book your free consultation today.
Invisalign treatment time
Treatment time can vary for both Invisalign and traditional braces, depending on the complexity of the case. Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete, although some cases may require more or less time. The length of treatment can depend on factors such as the complexity of the case, the patient's age, and how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan.
Traditional braces treatment can take anywhere from 12 months to 3 years or more to complete. This longer treatment time is often due to the fact that braces use metal brackets and wires to move the teeth, which can require more frequent adjustments and longer periods of time between adjustments. They are also often used for more complex cases with difficult tooth movements.
Is Invisalign more expensive than traditional braces?
Invisalign and traditional braces are often similar in price. Generally, traditional braces will be used with more complex cases and can result in higher costs as a result. So not only can Invisalign provide you with a more comfortable way to move your teeth, it can also save you money.
A few other key advantages of Invisalign include the following:
- Advanced technology: Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create customized aligners for each patient. This technology has been heavily researched and is constantly improving.
- Customization: Invisalign aligners are always custom-made for each patient based on their unique orthodontic needs, which means your treatment is individualized to your needs.
- Manufacturing and materials: Invisalign aligners are made from a specialized thermoplastic material that is designed to be both durable and clear, thus giving you a discreet look and feel.
- Treatment duration: Invisalign treatment tends to be faster than traditional braces. This is due to the technology used and also because it is used to treat mild to moderate cases with crowding or spacing.
While Invisalign and traditional braces are similar in cost, it's important to consider the potential benefits of the treatment when making a decision. As mentioned earlier, Invisalign is often more discreet, more comfortable, and more convenient than traditional braces, which can make it a worthwhile investment for many patients. It's also worth noting that the cost of Invisalign can vary depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed. When you book your initial orthodontic assessment in Coquitlam, our dentists will provide you all the details such as treatment time and the severity of the orthodontic concerns.
Oasis Dental is a Invisalign Gold Plus Provider
Our Coquitlam dentists are proud to be recognized as Invisalign Gold Plus providers. This designation from Invisalign is given to dentists who have extensive experience and expertise in providing Invisalign treatment to their patients. As an Invisalign Gold Plus provider in Coquitlam, our dentists have completed specialized training and have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in using Invisalign to treat a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Being an Invisalign Gold Plus provider means that our patients can trust in the expertise of our dentists and feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible. Give us a call to book your free Invisalign consultation today.
