Invisalign clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment for both teens and adults to achieve your perfect smile. Many of our patients wonder if Invisalign is the best option compared with traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces? Here we explain some of the differences

Most minor and moderate cases can be treated with Invisalign, but it’s always best to have a smile assessment with Dr Hoff to see what option is best for your individual situation. Depending on the length of your treatment plan, you’ll have between ten and 40 Invisalign clear aligners total. Treatment times range from 6 to 18 months in general. You’ll change out your aligners with a new set approximately once a fortnight. Each new aligner will gradually and discreetly straighten your teeth over time with easy maintenance and fewer appointments than with traditional braces. Once treatment is complete, you’ll keep a clear retainer to wear at night to maintain your awesome smile.

Invisalign or Braces?

• Easier to clean and better hygiene. You take out the Invisalign clear trays when you eat and brush, which means there’s less of a chance for white spots on the tooth surface and cavities. It’s very convenient to be able to enjoy all of the same foods you currently eat.
• No food stuck in the brackets. Patients who have gone through traditional braces in the past have found that certain food such as bread tends to get stuck in between the wires and brackets, and is a pain to clean out, especially if you’re at a restaurant or eating over at a friend’s house.
• Looks great. Invisalign trays are transparent and almost invisible, you can talk and smile without worrying about people seeing brackets or wires in your mouth.
• Works with most patients’ lifestyles. If you travel a lot or are away at college and can’t always make it for an appointment, you can keep multiple sets of trays to hand.
• Few age restrictions. Invisalign is effective for kids as young as 7 or 8 and adults in their 40’s and 50’s.
• No messy impressions before treatment starts! We use digital 3D impressions to map your entire mouth prior to treatment. This is more comfortable for you and a lot more accurate since the scan is completely digital.
• Saves time. You won’t have to come back to the practice to receive your new trays. We typically give you a few sets at each visit, so our patients average a clinic visit once every month and a half once after the initial visits. The initial visits are more frequent to ensure everything is moving as it should.

Differences Between Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners

The biggest difference between Invisalign braces treatment and other clear aligners (like Smile Direct Club) is that Invisalign has features that others don’t have. Invisalign uses tooth coloured attachments on your teeth to make more precise movements. Invisalign trays also have different ridges that push the teeth more efficiently. Invisalign allows Dr Hoff to have more control over your teeth movement and is able to treat a broader range of cases, including more complex bite cases.

Straightening your teeth is a medical/dental procedure; with any health care, you’ll want a licenced medical professional monitoring your treatment throughout the process and performing regular checks to ensure most efficient and effective treatment. Braces that you receive in the mail can’t do that and may lead to unforeseen dental issues.

Time-Tested Orthodontic Treatment

Another benefit of Invisalign is that millions of people from around the world have been treated, and thus we are able to pull from a vast database of treatment cases. If you have a fairly unique case, we have a way to use past successes to ensure your treatment gets the desired results.

Invisalign for a Straighter Smile

Invisalign has been proven to be an effective, discreet and comfortable way to straighten your smile! Just like with any dental treatment, Dr Hoff will discuss your options with you at your initial smile assessment to learn your individual wants and needs. A straighter smile will help you be more confident smiling and talking – our dental team is excited to help you on your journey!