Invisalign Vs Braces: How Long Will Treatment Last?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, over a third of adults in the US are unhappy when it comes to their smiles. Invisalign and braces both are used to realign teeth. Determining which one is the best treatment option for you can be challenging. One factor to consider is how long your treatment will last. Generally, the duration of your treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition. Below are tips to help you figure out how long your treatment will last to help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Dental Implants Vs. Braces

The first decision to make is if you want to use dental implants to put your teeth back into alignment. Invisalign helps to correct most issues associated with crooked teeth. If you are using Invisalign, you can expect to wear your aligners for as little as six months. However, some patients require a full year of treatment. Be sure to discuss dental implants with the best orthodontist to see how they might affect your treatment time with braces or Invisalign.

Straightening Vs. Removing Teeth

Invisalign is a great way to align your teeth. However, Invisalign is not the most effective in more complicated cases. Suppose you are missing a few teeth or have severely misaligned teeth. In these cases, Invisalign might not be able to get you your desired results. Metal braces, on the other hand, are very effective in complicated cases. Because of this, treatment of complex cases would likely be much shorter using braces rather than Invisalign, if Invisalign can be used at all.

Braces Vs. Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and fit tightly, but comfortably, around your teeth. These aligners gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. Traditional braces are metal wires attached to brackets that work similarly to Invisalign. However, they are far stronger and must be professionally removed. Depending on each patient’s unique case, braces treatment can be as short as six months, but will likely last closer to 12 months.

There are pros and cons to both braces and Invisalign treatment. Both sides have their own set of benefits. A key factor in deciding which is the best fit for you is to figure out how long your treatment will last. For more details on Invisalign and braces, visit our website or contact one of our offices, today!