The cliché image of an awkward teenager in massive metal brackets is dead. Now, anyone looking to straighten their smile has a new option that doesn’t require cement or wires: Invisalign.
Invisalign, available at Center City Emergency Dentists in Philadelphia, uses computer-generated trays that can be removed to correct orthodontic issues over time. Many wearers appreciate the fact that they can still eat their favorite foods by removing their trays, something that is not possible with metal braces.
As the popularity of Invisalign treatments grows, one question has come to the forefront of the minds of both consumers and orthodontists alike: is this new treatment as effective at correcting alignment and bite issues as its metal counterpart?
The common perception by consumers is that metal braces are harsher than clear retainers like Invisalign. This can lead to the perception by both dental professionals and consumers that metal braces are better at correcting orthodontic issues than Invisalign.
However, this is not actually true. According to a consumer report published by the FDA, invisible correction treatments were just as effective at correcting issues of misalignment and spacing as metal braces except in the most severe cases.
The discrepancy in effectiveness when comparing metal braces and Invisalign is due to how they are worn. Statistics indicate that metal braces wearers typically see their issues corrected in less time on average, but this is usually due to Invisalign wearers removing their trays for too many hours a day.
The bottom line? While metal braces may be better for the most severe and complicated of orthodontic cases, Invisalign treatments are just as effective at correcting most cases of dental misalignment as traditional options.
If you’re concerned about the look of metal braces or you want to avoid injuries associated with wires and brackets, Invisalign treatments in Philadelphia can straighten your smile just as well as braces in most cases. Just make sure you’re wearing them every day, ideally 22 hours a day.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, our team here at Center City Emergency Dentists is here to help. Give us a call at 215-315-7691 to learn more!