WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign (Align Technology ©) is an orthodontic appliance that looks very similar to the clear plastic trays used to whiten teeth. The difference is that the Invisalign appliances are made by using computerized modeling to program them to progressively move teeth. The clear appliances are called aligners because they align or “straighten crooked, crowded teeth.
Invisalign aligners can be removed by the patient for meals and hot beverages and to facilitate easy brushing and flossing. This is a benefit in that there are no food restrictions nor are there extra hygiene steps like there are with regular braces. However, it is important to understand that you must commit to 22+ hours of wear per day to see acceptable results and meals and hygiene should be the only exception to this important rule.
Traditional braces also called fixed appliances must be attached or “fixed” onto the teeth with a special adhesive that permits safe removal of braces at the end of treatment. Unlike Invisalign, braces can’t be removed for brushing and flossing and certain foods and habits must be avoided to prevent loosening. Braces have been around for over a century and have evolved into a very efficient tooth moving appliance—they are tried and true and thus yield more predictable results.
PROS AND CONS OF INVISALIGN VS BRACES IN A NUTSHELL
The main advantage of braces over Invisalign is that the tooth movement with braces is more controlled when moving front and back teeth in 3 different dimensions. Also, in my opinion, when a correction of how your upper and lower back teeth fit is desired, braces win over Invisalign hands down. Traditional braces are also preferred when there are significant jaw imbalances and/or profile issues. That being said, progress continues to be made by Align Technology in addressing the afore-mentioned Invisalign limitations.
The main advantage of Invisalign is that it is nearly undetectable and so it is a great option for someone who wants to “fly under the radar” as they straighten their teeth and enjoy the other conveniences mentioned above. Invisalign is an option for people with mild to moderate crowding, good bites and who accept the limitations with 3 dimensional tooth movement. Typically you know you are a good candidate if you would choose no treatment over braces if Invisalign was not an option.
WHAT IS A BEST OF BOTH WORLDS OPTION?
In our practice, we offer clear brackets in our practice to patients asking for the non-tin grin look but who still want to enjoy the efficiency and predictability of braces. This is a nice best of both worlds option and blends the positives of both appliances.
ORTHODONTIST VS DENTIST DOING MY INVISALIGN TREATMENT
Orthodontists are specialists who after graduating dental school complete a residency or postgraduate program at an accredited university. The training is typically 40 to 70 hours per week for 2 to 3+ years. By comparison, general dentists are exposed to less than a few weeks of orthodontic education while in dental school. Even general dentists that advertise a special interest in orthodontics and who may do a year of week end courses in orthodontics can never gain more than a fraction of the knowledge and experience that a credentialed orthodontic specialist has. In my opinion, choosing a general dentist over an orthodontist is likened to expecting the same result for your coronary artery bypass surgery from your family doctor as you would from a board certified cardiac surgeon.
CAN TEENS CHOOSE INVISALIGN?
The answer is yes provided the same pros and cons of braces vs. Invisalign discussed above are considered for teens as for adults. All options should be reviewed on an individual case by case basis. For Invisalign Teen, the patient must have all permanent teeth in place at the start of treatment including the 12 year molars. Therefore, Invisalign Teen is usually not recommended for patients under the age of 12
WHAT ARE THE COST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BRACES AND INVISALIGN?
Generally Invisalign costs a little more than traditional braces due to the fact that the costs of the computerized modeling, lab fees and proprietary costs such as licensing, research and development etc. are passed on to the patient. However, since most treatment is financed over 2 + years, a monthly payment that is not largely different from one treatment to the other is usually the result. So, as always, treatment decisions should be based primarily on benefits, quality of results and service rather than price.