How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

To achieve the best results, it’s recommended you wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. You must remove them when eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. Outside of those situations, wear them consistently as directed by your dentist to make sure your treatment progresses as planned.

Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

Invisalign aligners may affect your speech for the first few days of treatment. You may notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. However, most people adjust to wearing the aligners fairly quickly and don't experience any speech issues after the initial adjustment period. If you do experience persistent speech issues, be sure to talk to your dentist.

Can I get Invisalign instead of braces?

Yes, you can choose Invisalign over traditional braces depending on your orthodontic needs. Invisalign offers nearly invisible alignment, comfort, removability for eating and oral hygiene, and reduced office visits. However, for complex orthodontic cases, such as severely crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, traditional braces might be more effective.

Invisalign vs. Braces Near You | Smyrna & East Point, GA

Offering Orthodontic Treatment Near You

We know you’ve probably heard of Invisalign and braces for a straighter smile, and you may be wondering which treatment option is better suited for you. At JLM Dental Studios, our dentists in Smyrna & East Point are here to break down these treatments and help you achieve your best smile.

If you’re looking to schedule an orthodontic treatment consultation, contact our dentist near you today at our Smyrna dental office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559. We welcome new patients.

A Closer Look at Invisalign and Braces

Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and traditional braces are designed to correct misaligned teeth, improve bite issues, and enhance overall dental health. However, their approaches vary significantly:

Invisalign: Dr. Manning creates a custom treatment plan from your iTero scan, and a series of aligners is produced. You’ll wear each set for 1 to 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Regular check-ups track your progress, with treatment averaging 12 to 18 months. Retainers may be needed afterward to maintain results.

Braces: Brackets bonded to each tooth are connected by an archwire. When Dr. Manning adjusts the wire’s tension, it applies steady pressure that gradually moves your teeth and remodels the surrounding bone. Adjustments continue over months to years. We may recommend metal, ceramic, or lingual braces depending on your needs.

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Invisalign vs. Braces: A Comparison

Appearance

Invisalign: As the name suggests, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. They consist of clear, plastic trays that fit over the teeth, making them a more discreet option. Most of the time, no one will even notice you’re going through Invisalign treatment.
Braces: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that adhere to your teeth and are connected by a wire. They’re highly noticeable and may make some feel self-conscious during treatment. Some braces treatments may also require other components, such as rubber bands.

Costs

Invisalign: Generally, Invisalign aligners cost more than braces. Patients can expect to spend between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on factors such as geographical location, dental insurance coverage, and the complexity of their alignment issues.
Traditional Braces: Traditional metal braces are typically less expensive than Invisalign, but the cost can vary based on the complexity of the treatment and geographical location. On average, braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000.

Treatment Time

Invisalign: Invisalign treatments typically last between 12 and 18 months, but they can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
Braces: Traditional braces often need to be worn for about 24 months, although this can also vary. If you have severely crooked teeth or severely misaligned teeth, your treatment can take longer.

Comfort

Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, making them more comfortable than braces. They can also be removed, allowing for relief if discomfort arises.
Braces: Braces are fixed onto the teeth and can cause irritation to the inside of the mouth. The adjustment process can also create discomfort.

Maintenance

Invisalign: Clear aligners should be cleaned regularly and taken out while eating or drinking anything other than water.
Braces: Braces require careful cleaning around the brackets and wires. Certain foods that can damage or get stuck in braces must be avoided.

Versatility

Invisalign: Invisalign is great for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, but complex cases may still require braces.
Braces: Braces are extremely versatile and can correct a wide range of complex orthodontic problems.

Check-Ups

Invisalign: You’ll need to see your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks, and you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks.
Braces: You’ll typically see your orthodontist for a tightening every 4 to 6 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Invisalign is generally considered to be less painful than traditional metal braces. The reason for this is that Invisalign uses a series of smooth plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth, reducing the likelihood of irritation and soreness. Although there may still be some discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners every few weeks, it is often milder compared to the pain and soreness experienced with adjustments for braces.

In many cases, it’s possible to switch from traditional braces to Invisalign trays, but it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Before making the switch, your orthodontist will need to assess your specific dental needs and the progress of your current treatment. If your orthodontic issues are compatible with Invisalign, and you haven’t made significant progress with braces, switching might be an option.

Yes, it’s important to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Your dentist will likely recommend wearing a retainer for several months or even years after Invisalign treatment. The length of time will depend on your specific case and the extent of the orthodontic correction needed.

Invisalign typically causes less discomfort compared to traditional braces. Traditional braces, with their metal brackets and wires, can cause sores inside the mouth and be uncomfortable when tightened. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, reducing the likelihood of mouth irritation. However, both options can cause some discomfort, especially when teeth are initially moving or when new aligners are introduced in the case of Invisalign.

Invisalign® vs. Bracesin Smyrna and East Point, GA

Offering Orthodontic Treatment Near You

A Closer Look at Invisalign and Braces

Invisalign vs. Braces: A Comparison

Appearance

Costs

Treatment Time

Comfort

Maintenance

Versatility

Check-Ups

Frequently Asked Questions

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