Indeed, braces as an orthodontic treatment has been around for longer than the Invisalign system. In fact, Align Technology started manufacturing Invisalign aligners in the US in 1997. Traditional metal braces have wires and brackets. There are however variations to braces, which include brackets across the back of the teeth or brackets that are a similar color to your teeth’s enamel. However, these more discrete types of braces often come at an extra cost compared to traditional metal braces.

Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are specifically designed to be virtually invisible. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of removable aligners.

Invisalign treatment does require some self-discipline. Patients are required to wear their removable aligners at least 22 hours a day. The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, flossing and brushing. They’re also nearly invisible so hardly anyone will notice you’re straightening your teeth.

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth and you feel that Invisalign treatment is for you, then you also need to ensure you have the self-discipline to wear your aligners for the required amount of time every day during your treatment. In particular, if you are thinking about Invisalign treatment for your teenager you need to ensure they are fully aware of the need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Perhaps as parents, you should regularly sit down with them to gently remind them of this requirement.

That said, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible so for the 22 hours that you’re wearing them, hardly anybody will notice anyway!

Invisalign aligners can be removed as and when required. This is beneficial because it allows you to ensure good oral health through proper brushing and flossing, whereas metal braces can often make it very difficult to clean between teeth.

So in summary, self-discipline is required if you want to benefit from this teeth-straightening treatment.