Braces vs. Invisalign

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you want something affordable, effective, and esthetic. Here at Hartsock and Sword Orthodontics we have multiple options for you to consider and the expertise to help you decide which option is right for you. Our primary methods of treatment are traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. There are many distinct differences between the two (too much to cover in this article), but let's focus on the four main differences between them:

1. How Does Invisalign Work? (Compared to braces)

   Both options consistently apply forces to teeth to gradually align them in to the ideal position; however, one is removable and one is not. Braces are "fixed" to your teeth using dental adhesive unlike Invisalign, which is a clear plastic aligner that is removed when it is time to eat and brush your teeth. The advantage of being able to remove your Invisalign aligners is that you are free to eat what you want and brush and floss with ease, which really improves your lifestyle during treatment. Ideally Invisalign is worn 20-22 hours per day. We provide plenty of resources to encourage you and help you stay on track! Each Invisalign aligner is worn between 3-7 days and then replaced with a new one to continue applying gentle forces to your teeth that will keep them moving.  Since aligners are changed so frequently, it is easy to keep them clean and if you lose one, no sweat...just place your next aligner in and keep moving forward! Traditional fixed metal braces are generally associated with more discomfort because each adjustment appointment takes place one month apart and therefore requires more activation than a weekly aligner change does. You may be wondering, "Am I a candidate for Invisalign?". At our office the answer is always "Yes!" even though other offices may tell you otherwise.  We are very comfortable with treating the most severe orthodontic needs with Invisalign aligners because of our incredibly extensive experience with this technique and because of the most recent technological advancements that Invisalign has made with their product.

2. How Much Does Invisalign Cost? How Much Do Braces Cost?

   We provide comfortable, interest-free payment plans that help make both of these options affordable. Due to the customizability and technology that goes in to the Invisalign treatment technique, many orthodontic offices charge their patients a higher fee for the Invisalign aligners to offset fees, but here at our office both options are the same price. We understand that most people today prefer the esthetic advantage of Invisalign, so we decided to make this treatment as accessible as traditional braces by offering them at the same cost.  The price of each treatment is dependent on the severity of your dental needs, and that will be discussed at your initial consultation in our office after a brief orthodontic exam from one of our orthodontic specialists.

3. Does Invisalign Work As Fast As Braces? When Can I Expect Results?

   You don’t have to look very hard to find claims from various orthodontists and orthodontic companies saying that their treatment moves teeth faster than all the rest. Dr. Hartsock and I have found that this really isn’t the case. Treatment times are very similar between braces and aligners because the teeth can only move so fast. The average treatment duration for most orthodontic patients is 18 to 30 months, regardless of which treatment is used but there are always exceptions to that average range.  Often times a large majority of your orthodontic issues can be corrected within the first year of treatment with braces or Invisalign, and the confidence you can gain from these is invaluable. The real difference between braces and Invisalign is in the frequency of appointments (see #4).

4. How Often Are My Checkup Appointments With Invisalign? With Braces?

   With traditional braces in our office, appointments generally occur every 4-5 weeks, but with Invisalign appointments can be spread out to every 8-10 weeks. In today’s busy world, we have seen that our families have responded well to the longer appointment intervals that we utilize with Invisalign. Less time in the orthodontist office means more time getting to do the things you love, and it also means that you do not have to miss work as often and your children do not have to miss as much school.

Our office is the #1 Invisalign provider in all of East Kentucky. Our extensive experience with the Invisalign technique has allowed us to offer this newest technology to all of our patients, regardless of the severity of their orthodontic needs and regardless of their age. Contact us today for your free consultation or just click our online Appointment Request page.