Do Braces Last Longer Than Invisalign?

When it comes to straightening teeth, there are two popular orthodontic treatments: traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Learn which one lasts longer and which one is more efficient.

Do Braces Last Longer Than Invisalign?

When it comes to straightening teeth, there are two popular orthodontic treatments: traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. While traditional metal braces require between 18 and 24 months, the average duration of treatment with Invisalign is 12 months. However, the time needed to get the results you want depends largely on the complexity of the treatment plan. Invisalign tends to be faster than braces because the trays are customized over the course of treatment.

Every few weeks, you'll return to the office to have new aligners made just for you. These aligners change during treatment, so they always work to improve the appearance of your teeth. Invisalign can straighten teeth faster than traditional braces. Most patients finish treatment in just one or two years, while traditional braces can take up to three years to produce significant results.

For this reason, patients find Invisalign to be a faster and more convenient option for people who want a beautiful, flawless smile. In reality, the Invisalign system is more efficient than traditional metal braces. On average, the Invisalign system can take 12 to 18 months to be effective. Two years is the average time most patients will need to wear traditional metal braces.

Traditional orthodontic appliances consist of brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected with metal wires. There are a variety of color options to choose from, allowing them to be as vibrant or discreet as the patient desires. The request usually takes 1 to 2 hours and regular appointments are required to make adjustments. Treatment time varies, but in general it takes an average of two years to correct dental problems with braces. Compared to Invisalign, braces require less discipline since they are not removable and therefore not tempted to leave them out.

Braces may achieve a better result than Invisalign because they have more strength to move teeth to the desired position. Invisalign is limited in terms of the number of teeth that can be moved at a time. Orthodontic appliances are a universal treatment that works for minor to complex cases by attaching directly to each tooth. Braces users should avoid hard, chewable foods such as nuts, popcorn and bagels in order to avoid damage or irritation. Even if braces are the best option, there are several types of braces available that are less visible than the traditional metal type.

Patients should follow their orthodontist's instructions on how to properly brush and floss while wearing braces. The most serious misalignment could be solved with Invisalign but it can take much longer than traditional braces. Traditionally, braces are made of metal and attached to the outside of the teeth, although there are now different options for braces including ceramic and lingual braces (behind the teeth). Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are custom-made mouthpieces molded from medical plastic that apply pressure to the teeth and guide them into the desired position. The more crooked your teeth are, the longer Invisalign will take so there's a longer period of time than braces. For many people deciding between traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners can be a challenge.

People with braces should not eat various foods such as chewing gum, bagels, hard candy and popcorn because they can get stuck in brackets or even damage brackets or cables. An orthodontist or dentist will determine when a patient's misalignment is complex enough to require braces. People who debate these strategies for having straighter teeth should talk to a dentist or orthodontist to see if braces or aligners are more appropriate. Invisalign and traditional braces serve the same purpose: to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health.

Bernadette Livas
Bernadette Livas

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