Clear Aligners vs. Invisalign: What’s the Difference?

Crooked or gapped teeth can make you feel unattractive and make you vulnerable to oral infections. Fortunately, you can straighten your smile with orthodontic treatments. If you or your teenager are interested in straightening teeth, clear aligners and Invisalign offer a worthwhile alternative to traditional metal braces.

Unlike traditional braces that use metal wires and brackets, clear aligners and Invisalign consist of clear or invisible plastic trays.

For this reason, they are much less noticeable and a great aesthetic alternative for patients looking for a discrete option to straighten their smile. Below is a brief overview of how clear aligners and Invisalign compare.

Clear Aligners Vs. Invisalign

Generally, there is a very slight difference between clear aligners and Invisalign, as explained below:

What are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices made from clear or transparent medical-grade plastic. The aligners are worn over the teeth, gradually moving them in the desired direction. Several clear aligners correct orthodontic problems, including Invisalign, Clear Correct, and 3M Clarity aligners.

Clear aligners are removable and should be worn for 20-22 hours daily for several months. You must also not eat or drink anything other than water with the aligners on. Clean or rinse your mouth thoroughly before wearing the aligners. You should also clean the aligners daily to avoid plaque and bacteria build-up in the trays, bad breath, and teeth yellowing.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of clear aligner. Invisalign is simply a brand name of a clear aligner manufacturer known as Align Technology. Currently, Invisalign is the most popular type of clear aligner. Contact our dentist for Invisalign near you.

Are you a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners or Invisalign?

If you’re considering clear aligners, you should begin by scheduling a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in York Harbor, ME. The dentist will examine the orthodontic issue and determine whether you’re eligible for the treatment. Generally, clear aligners are ideal for correcting orthodontic imperfections such as:

• Crooked and misaligned teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Open bites
• Improper teeth gaps
• Crowded teeth

It’s worth noting that not all patients are eligible for clear aligners. Since the aligners are plastic, they aren’t effective in correcting complex misalignments. Traditional braces are more effective. Our dentist in York Harbor will advise you on the best suitable option for your condition.

Why Choose Clear Aligners like Invisalign?

Clear aligners have several advantages over traditional braces, including:

• Virtually invisible

Most people choose clear aligners like Invisalign because of their clear nature. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are less noticeable and offer a more discreet way to fix orthodontic imperfections.

• Comfort

Since both traditional braces and clear aligners put a gentle force on teeth to move them in the desired direction, you might experience minor discomfort, especially in the initial days. However, since clear aligners contain a smoother plastic, they tend to be more comfortable than traditional braces.

• No diet limitation

Unlike braces, you can remove your clear aligner whenever you wish to. Generally, you should remove the trays when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. It makes them more convenient. Still, wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily as directed by your dentist.

With traditional braces, you have to brush around the wires and brackets, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Similarly, there are restrictions on the types of foods and drinks you can consume.

• Quick results

Clear aligners have shown faster results for minor to average orthodontic imperfections than traditional braces. However, that will depend on the patient’s condition and compliance with the dentist’s instructions. For instance, wearing aligners for less than 20 hours daily will delay your results.

• Better dental health

Apart from aligning your teeth and giving you the smile of your dreams, clear aligner treatment also improves your dental health. For instance, you get to brush and rinse your mouth regularly, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Similarly, straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, leading to better dental and overall health.

Schedule an Appointment Today with our Dentist in York Harbor

Are you ready to transform your smile and oral health with clear aligners or Invisalign? Schedule a dentist appointment at York Dental Group, a Certified Invisalign Provider.