Is Invisalign the same as “regular” braces?
Invisalign is a technique that uses a series of computer generated clear plastic aligners to incrementally move the teeth. (see our Invisalign links) In general, when case limitations are noted and the patient informed, patients who wear their aligners are very satisfied with the results of their aligner treatment. Being one of the top GP providers of Invisalign we have seen the benefits and shortcomings of the system. Slight to moderate orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign adequately. Is the result the same? Many times it is similar and the differences not apparent to most. Because the “attachment” of the aligner is not glue there is some “give” and the tooth may not always line up exactly the way it is programmed by the computer. Cases of Invisalign tend to finish narrower. The use of an expanding appliance prior to Invisalign treatment will improve the result. Teeth which are rotated are also a weakness of the system and sometimes a short course of “braces” is needed to
