Invisalign® vs. Braces
Often the main concern people have about braces is the poor aesthetics of a metal appliance on their smile. For adults, wearing ugly metal braces for long periods of time is a problem. Invisalign offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth quickly, contains no metal and has no perceivable negative aesthetic consequences.
Invisalign consists of a series of custom fabricated aligning trays. The dentist changes the alignment trays every several weeks to make progress in the alignment process and to fit the new configuration of your teeth. Each new set of trays brings your teeth closer to their proper, ultimate alignment. The Invisalign alignment trays can be removed temporarily and thus the patient is in control of the duration of the overall treatment.
Both Invisalign and braces will be effective in treating a wide variety of alignment cases, such as malocclusion (overbite, underbite, crossbite), crowding, uneven spacing and crooked teeth. Both Invisalign and braces cost about the same.
Invisalign, however, is the only procedure that allows you to eat all the foods you want. It is also the only one to offer almost invisible alignment treatment, with the added option of removing the alignment trays entirely for that special occasion. It also allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally by simply removing the alignment tray momentarily.