When considering orthodontics or braces, there are a lot of factors for patients to consider – the length of time for the treatment, which type to get, and how the type they choose will affect the patient’s everyday life.
How long is the length of treatment with the Invisalign?
There is no set answer to this question. The length of treatment is different according to each patient’s specific case. The average range of treatment time can be anywhere from a year to a year and a half.
Many times, a prospective patient may inquire how long the Invisalign treatment may take to straighten and align their teeth; it is important to know that it is not possible for the Invisalign specialist to give an accurate answer unless the proper testing has been done as this allows the Invisalign specialist to have a clear and accurate idea of the patient’s case. Otherwise, any answer is a guess and inaccurate.
In the instance that the patient is interested in proceeding with the Invisalign treatment, the patient may opt to get the iTero scan and ClinCheck. The iTero scan will allow the Invisalign specialist to take a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth so that the specialist can check the dimensions of the patient’s teeth from all angles as necessary. As for the ClinCheck, it provides a visual simulation of how the teeth will move as the specialist will plan out the steps in which the patient’s teeth will move using the specialized software. This will allow the Invisalign specialist to determine with great accuracy when the patient’s treatment can be completed.
(from Invisalign website)
How long is the length of treatment with other forms of braces?
The other form of braces may be grouped into one category as many of them are the variants of the traditional form of braces – the ones with the wires and brackets (metal / ceramic white squares that are glued to the teeth that hold the wires).
With the traditional type of braces, there are not any testing or software that has been developed so far to help orthodontists in estimating how long it will take for the braces treatment to be completed. The only tool that is available is the experience of the orthodontist themselves so the estimation that one patient gets between different orthodontist may differ.
On average, it is said that depending on the patient’s case, braces treatments last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and a half. The time it takes to complete treatment for patients with traditional braces again comes down to how severe the misalignment is, patient’s bite, etc.
(from Invisalign website)
Changes to Patient Lifestyle
Comfort Level
Invisalign
As the aligners are made to fit the patient’s teeth and gums precisely, they may feel more comfortable when worn. There may be some discomfort / a feeling of pressure that is put on the teeth so that they move.
Traditional Braces
As with all forms of braces, with traditional braces, patients may feel discomfort when their teeth move as the pressure from the wire help guide the teeth in place. As the teeth move, the end of the wire on the teeth may poke and cut the inside of the patient’s cheek. The wire is cut, of course, with the movement but until the patient is able to see their orthodontist at their next appointment, this may be a discomfort. Patients need to use wax that is given by the orthodontist and place it at the end of the wire inside the mouth to prevent the wire from poking and cutting them.
Oral Hygiene Routine
Invisalign
An advantage with the Invisalign treatment is that patients are able to maintain regular oral hygiene – this means that patients can brush their teeth normally. Patients are to remove their Invisalign aligners and brush their teeth and then put the aligners back in, allowing them to maintain their regular oral hygiene routine.
Traditional Braces
Oral hygiene with traditional braces can be tricky at first. Some differences that the patient would experience would include the movement of their toothbrush when brushing and when they floss. The way that the patient is instructed to brush their teeth is a little different as the movement may feel a little awkward at first. Flossing becomes a little more difficult as the floss needs to be looped through between the wire and teeth.
These of course are not all the differences between the Invisalign and normal braces but are some factors that can be considered when trying to decide between the two types – Invisalign and traditional wire braces.