Invisalign vs. Traditional Orthodontics

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

If you suffer from misaligned or crowded teeth you are not alone. Undergoing orthodontic treatment is becoming acceptable for younger and younger individuals, but you may not have had the benefit of or the need for orthodontics when you were young. If you are considering orthodontic treatment as an adult but have been putting it off because you do not want a mouth full of braces to impact your image or lifestyle, Invisalign® may be the right option.

Invisalign is often compared with traditional braces, but though they achieve the same goal they are very different. Invisalign treatment can be used by a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to straighten the alignment of your teeth, reposition your teeth, and correct a malocclusion (poor bite alignment). Traditional braces achieve similar results, but they make an obvious change to your appearance while you are undergoing treatment. We recommend traditional wire and bracket braces be done by Orthodontists. 

Invisible Aligners

The name Invisalign comes from the proprietary series of removable aligners which shift your teeth to their new desired location over time. The aligners are made of clear plastic which is shaped using 3D modeling software to fit your teeth perfectly, and which are virtually invisible while being worn. Each aligner is created to reposition your teeth a small amount. The final aligner will hold your teeth into their desired position.

You can wear your aligners while sleeping, while at work, even while giving a presentation and most people will never notice. Many patients choose to remove their aligners during meals or for special events.

Choosing Invisalign or Braces

The choice of whether to use Invisalign or opt for traditional braces may seem like an obvious one, but not all patients are ideal candidates for Invisalign. Depending on the skill and preferences of your cosmetic dentist, you may be encouraged to undergo treatment with one or the other. Braces may be necessary if you have extreme malocclusions. 

However, most patients with misaligned teeth are candidates for Invisalign, and our patients who have undergone treatment with Invisalign have been extremely pleased with their results. Invisalign is usually a good option for:

• Adults wishing to avoid attention-drawing braces
• Individuals with major life events planned for the near future
• Individuals without complex alignment problems

To learn more about Invisalign, or if you have questions about Invisalign, please contact cosmetic dentists Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro today, welcoming patients from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa, Arizona.