Which Option Is Right for You?
Finding the right orthodontic treatment is an important decision, and it helps to learn as much as you can about your available options. Traditional metal braces are the most common way to straighten teeth, but Invisalign offers several unique advantages that braces can’t match.
Explore our guide to find out how Invisalign differs from braces.
Appearance
For many of our patients, the largest drawback with metal braces is how they can make you feel unattractive and awkward in social situations. But Invisalign uses clear aligners that are virtually invisible to the people around you. You’ll be able to go out and have fun without even thinking about your aligners.
Comfort
Our aligners are customized to perfectly fit the unique shape of your teeth, with no gaps or bulges. The patented thermoplastic material they’re made from is thin and smooth, so they’ll never irritate your cheek and gums the way metal wires can.
Our aligners will gently move your teeth in small increments along a precisely defined path for a remarkably comfortable course of treatment. The process is so gradual that each new aligner will generally shift your teeth about a fraction of a millimeter.
Convenience
Braces can be inconvenient — you have to avoid certain types of food, keeping them clean is a challenge, and broken wires or snagged brackets are a real hassle.
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat all the foods you love without difficulty. Since you can take your aligners out for brushing and flossing, it’s easy to maintain your regular oral care routine.
Invisalign aligners never need tightening, so they require far fewer office visits than metal braces. And unlike metal braces, you’ll never have to schedule an emergency appointment to repair your aligners.
Faster Treatment Time
The treatment process for Invisalign is up to 2X faster than traditional braces — it usually requires about 12 months to complete the process. You’ll receive a new set of aligners to change out every two weeks or so, and Dr. Grussmark will check on your progress regularly.
Cost
Many patients assume that Invisalign is far more expensive than metal braces due to its advanced technology, but this isn’t the case. In fact, the cost of Invisalign is very competitive with traditional braces.
Sometimes the cost of Invisalign care is even lower, depending on the scope of your treatment. If you’re concerned about affordability, we offer a range of financing options to make your care more affordable.