Invisalign vs. Braces For Correcting Your Bite Alignment

Achieving perfectly aligned teeth can significantly boost your confidence and improve your oral health. Many people dream of correcting misaligned teeth or bite issues, but feel overwhelmed by the choices available. 

The two most popular and effective solutions for orthodontic correction are traditional braces and modern Invisalign clear aligners. The knowledge of primary differences between the efficacy of both treatment options helps you make an informed decision during your smile makeover journey.

Bellissima Dental Boutique in Fayetteville, NC, is committed to supporting your smile transformation decisions with guidance and premium treatments that best align with your lifestyle and orthodontic needs. We empower you to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with luxurious smile care.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign, or clear aligners, are custom-made, clear plastic aligners we use to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Being invisible makes them a discreet option for straightening teeth. Patients wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before progressing to the next set in the series. 

Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing, which simplifies oral hygiene during treatment. They offer a flexible, aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are a time-tested orthodontic treatment that precisely corrects a wide range of dental alignment issues. They comprise metal brackets bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, and connected by a thin archwire. Small elastic bands or ties hold the wire in place.

Your orthodontist periodically adjusts the archwire, applying gentle, continuous pressure that gradually moves your teeth. While more visible than clear aligners, modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than those of the past. They offer a highly effective solution for complex orthodontic cases. Maintaining oral hygiene with braces is often a challenge, but it is manageable with proper guidelines.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Choosing between Invisalign and braces involves evaluating several factors, including appearance, comfort, effectiveness, and lifestyle impact. We help you understand these differences so you can make the best decision for your unique situation.

You can even book a virtual smile consultation with us to evaluate which treatment option best suits your bite alignment.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

The Invisalign treatment process for straightening teeth involves several key stages, from initial consultation to the final retention phase. We ensure a smooth and predictable experience.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Digital Scan

Your smile enhancement journey begins with a comprehensive examination to assess and evaluate your oral health and smile goals. We use advanced 3D digital scanning technology to create a precise map of your teeth.

During this consultation, we focus on:

• No messy impressions needed for accurate models.
• We review your personalized treatment plan with you.
• You see a virtual preview of your future smile.

Step 2: Custom Aligner Fabrication

Based on your digital scans, a series of custom-made clear aligners is manufactured specifically for your teeth. We meticulously craft each aligner to apply the right amount of force.

Behind the scenes, this step includes:

• We make aligners from smooth, BPA-free plastic.
• Each set is slightly different to guide teeth gradually.
• Fabrication ensures a comfortable and precise fit.

Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners

You wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks, or as directed. For optimal results, you must wear them for 20-22 hours per day.

Successful progress depends on the following habits:

• Remove aligners only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
• Regular check-ups monitor your progress.
• Consistent wear is essential for effective tooth movement.

Step 4: Progressing Through Aligners

As you switch to the next set of aligners in your series, your teeth continue to shift incrementally. This gradual movement ensures an effective straightening process.

With each new aligner, you can expect:

• Each new aligner brings you closer to your ideal smile.
• We make minor adjustments or refinements if needed.
• Treatment duration varies based on individual complexity.

Step 5: Retention Phase

Once your teeth reach their final positions, you enter the retention phase. Wearing a Vivera retainer helps maintain your newly straightened smile long-term.

To protect your results, this final phase includes:

• Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back.
• We provide clear instructions for retainer wear.
• This phase secures your beautiful treatment results.

The Traditional Braces Treatment Process

Traditional braces also follow a structured process, ensuring effective and lasting correction of your smile. We guide you through each stage with expert care.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Diagnostic Records

We begin your smile makeover with a thorough examination of your teeth and bite. We take X-rays, photos, and digital scans to create a precise treatment plan.

During your evaluation, we will:

• Get a clear picture of your unique orthodontic needs.
• Discuss your treatment goals and options.
• Diagnostic records ensure accurate bracket placement.

Step 2: Braces Placement

During this appointment, we carefully bond brackets to each tooth and thread the archwire through them. This process sets the stage for tooth movement.

To begin active treatment, we:

• Position the brackets precisely for optimal force distribution.
• Archwires connect the brackets and initiate movement.
• This step is comfortable and does not require anesthesia.

Step 3: Regular Brackets & Wires Adjustments

We recommend visiting us periodically for adjustments, typically every four to eight weeks. During these appointments, we tighten or change your archwire and elastic ties.

Ongoing adjustments involve:

• Applying new pressure to continue tooth movement.
• This step ensures steady progress towards your desired alignment.
• We monitor your oral health throughout the treatment.

Step 4: Braces Removal

Once your teeth have reached their final, corrected positions, we carefully remove your braces. This exciting milestone reveals your newly straightened smile.

This final removal process includes:

• Gentle removal of brackets and cleaning of your tooth surfaces.
• This step is typically quick and comfortable.
• You will immediately notice the transformation.

Step 5: Retention Phase

After braces removal, wearing a retainer is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting back. The main goal is to stabilize your teeth in their new positions to preserve the alignment results: 

Post-treatment care includes:

• We provide custom-made retainers, either fixed or removable.
• Consistent retainer wear is vital for long-term stability.
• This phase ensures your beautiful smile lasts for years.

Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?

The cost of all orthodontic treatment options depends on factors such as the complexity of your orthodontic issues, the estimated treatment duration, and your specific orthodontic needs. The cost for both treatments can be comparable.

We recommend a personalized consultation to receive a precise cost breakdown tailored to your situation. Bellissima Dental Boutique offers flexible pricing options and accepts most renowned insurance plans. Your dental insurance may cover all or part of your orthodontic treatment. Please visit our practice so we can guide you through coverage and membership plans.

Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces For Bite Alignment?

The duration of orthodontic treatment depends significantly on the complexity of your case and your individual response to treatment. While some mild to moderate Invisalign cases may finish faster than traditional braces, this is not always the case for more complex cases.

The Invisalign alignment process ranges from 12 to 18 months for many patients, while traditional braces often take 18 to 36 months. However, severe bite problems or significant tooth rotations might require the consistent, powerful force of braces. Schedule a consultation with us so that we can provide an accurate estimate after a thorough examination.

Which is Better: Braces or Invisalign?

There is no single "better" option; the ideal choice between braces and Invisalign depends entirely on your unique orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Invisalign offers a discreet appearance and removability, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics and convenience.

Traditional braces provide powerful, consistent force, making them the right choice for even the most complex cases. We chose the best option after evaluating your dental needs during your consultation. Our process transparently outlines your bite issues, necessary daily habits, desired outcomes, and timelines. Personalized plans make dentistry more fun and valuable for our patients in helping them achieve healthier smiles.

Be our guest to make the right decision for your bite and smile.

Get A Smile Makeover At Bellissima Dental Boutique

Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile is important, and our luxurious smile care ensures that.  At Bellissima Dental Boutique in Fayetteville, NC, we combine exceptional clinical expertise with genuine compassion to deliver orthodontic treatments that enhance smiles. Let us help you achieve the beautiful, perfectly aligned smile you have always envisioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Invisalign better than braces for everyone?

‍No. Invisalign works well for many cases, but traditional braces are surprisingly moreeffective for complex orthodontic issues. To determine the best option for you, we recommend scheduling a smile assessment with us.

2. Is Invisalign faster than braces for straightening teeth?

‍Invisalign can be faster for mild to moderate cases, but treatment time varies. Complex cases often take longer with both methods.

3. Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

‍The costs of Invisalign and braces are often comparable and depend on the complexity of your treatment. Consult our office for a personalized cost estimate.

4. Are braces better than Invisalign for severe orthodontic cases?

‍Yes, traditional braces are generally more effective for severe bite problems and complex tooth movements because they deliver continuous, fixed force.

5. Do I still need to wear a retainer after Invisalign or braces?

‍Yes. Retainers are crucial after both treatments to maintain your straightened smile and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

6. Can I eat anything with Invisalign?

‍Yes, you remove Invisalign aligners for all meals, so you have no dietary restrictions. With braces, you must avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods.