7 Reasons Why Invisalign is Faster than Braces [+12 Pros and Cons]
Invisalign tends to be faster than braces because it uses custom-made aligners that perfectly fit your face. Moreover, these aligners are designed to accommodate a person’s unique dental shape.
Your dentist might recommend braces or Invisalign depending on several factors, such as treating TMJ problems, improving bite function, enhancing tooth aesthetics, and improving overall speech.
12 Pros and Cons to Understand Why Invisalign is Faster than Braces
Both treatments are widely popular, but here is a quick summary of some of the pros and cons of braces and Invisalign.
| Point of Comparison | Braces | Invisalign |
| Appearance | Metal brackets and wires are visible. | Clear aligners, discreet and less noticeable. |
| Comfort | Might be discomforting due to metal wires and brackets | Smooth aligners might reduce discomfort |
| Effectiveness | Suitable for complex and severe cases. | Ideal for mild to moderate alignment problems |
| Treatment Duration | Usually takes 18 to 24 months | Usually takes 12 to 18 months |
| Convenience | Less convenient, Fixed to the teeth. It is not removable for eating or drinking. | More convenient. It isn’t fixed to the teeth. Removable for eating and drinking |
| Maintenance | Brushing and flossing can be a hassle. Requires regular and thorough cleaning | Oral hygiene is relatively easy, with the option to remove the aligners. |
| Discomfort | The metal wires can cause irritation | There is slight discomfort due to the pressure from the aligners |
| Dietary Restrictions | Certain dietary constrictions such as hard, sticky and chewy foods must be avoided | No such dietary constrictions |
| Aesthetics | Highly noticeable | Highly discreet |
| Compliance | Fixed so less chances of forgetting them | Requires strict self-discipline to wear aligners for 20-22 hours. |
| Dental Visit Frequency | Regular visits every 4 to 5 weeks | Fewer visits are required from every 6 to 8 weeks. |
| Cost | It can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 | It can cost between $3,000 and $8,000 |
7 Reasons Why Invisalign is Faster than Braces
Here are some prominent factors that make Invisalign quick are as follows:
Customization
Every set of aligners is explicitly designed to keep the patient’s requirements in mind. This customization aspect enhances the chance of effectiveness and leaves less room for error and delayed recovery,
Smart Force Technology
Invisalign is equipped with digital planning systems and smart force technology, which contribute to the customized creation of aligners. Hence, this leads to enhanced tooth movement and shortens the recovery period.
Attachments
Some customers might opt to add small tooth-colored buttons to the aligners to enhance grip. This addition allows for precise teeth movement and can speed up the entire treatment timeline.
Treatment Plan and Adjustments
Regular visits to the dentist or orthodontist might also lead to speedy recovery. They can quickly spot any issue and recommend better practices to keep the recovery on track.
Case Severity
Complex cases require more daunting procedural steps and rigorous dental health care, while mild to minor cases often require less recovery time.
Patient Compliance
Sticking to a strict and disciplined dental regime will maintain continuous pressure on the teeth, speeding up recovery. However, not wearing the new aligners at the right time can slow the treatment.
Invisalign Accelerators
This is an optional step in the treatment process. In this step, gentle vibrations speed up the tooth alignment, shortening the overall treatment process by 50%. Customers can choose this to speed up the recovery process.
The 22 Hours Rule for Invisalign
The famous 22-hour rule ensures that people remember to wear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. They can only remove them during eating, brushing, flossing, or drinking.
The strict regime is crucial to achieve the desired results of teeth alignment in a short time. Furthermore, this practice promises constant pressure on the misaligned teeth to move them to the desired position.
Moreover, non-compliance with this regime will delay treatment progress, and you do not want that!
The Bottom Line
Although braces have long been considered the gold standard for dental treatments, Invisalign is much faster and more discreet. Its flexibility, precision, and speedy recovery make it a common choice among modern-day customers.
For more detailed analysis and follow-up questions, contact the experts at Palm Valley Orthodontics.
