Getting the perfect smile is easier than ever with all the orthodontic treatment options available today. Many patients prefer to correct their smile in a comfortable and discreet manner, and there are several ways that can be done. Traditional Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners that fit over the teeth and are almost invisible to others. Another option is wearing nighttime-only aligners. These aligners are worn while you sleep, so this is the most discreet treatment of all. However, there are some differences between traditional Invisalign treatment and the nighttime-only treatment options. Dive into all the details below to learn the key differences.
Let’s Compare Traditional Invisalign Treatment To Nighttime-Only Treatment
Both Invisalign and nighttime-only treatment options can be great methods to get a beautiful, straight smile without the hassle of traditional braces. However, there are a few big differences between these two options. Learn the main differences here as well as which treatment option might be best for you.
How Do Teeth Aligners Work?
Both Invisalign and nighttime-only treatment options are considered tray-style teeth aligners. These aligners work by putting gentle pressure on the teeth that causes them to move into alignment. As gentle force is applied to the teeth, the ligaments that hold the teeth in place begin to stretch. In response, your body begins to release chemicals that can both break down bone and build new bone.
As the ligaments continue to stretch, some parts of the jawbone begin to compress. As this occurs, the body starts to break down the compressed bone, and the tooth shifts. As the tooth shifts, the body produces new bone material to fill in the gap left behind. The tooth will become rooted in this new position, and the ligaments will adjust accordingly.
This process is repeated until all the teeth have shifted into place, and you are left with a perfect smile. To make sure this process continues, you must switch out your teeth aligners every couple of weeks. As your teeth move, new aligners are needed in order to keep pressure applied to the teeth. Without the constant pressure, the teeth would stop moving, and you would not end up with the result that you were hoping for.
Invisalign vs. Nighttime-Only Treatment: Key Differences
When comparing your options for orthodontic treatment, you should be aware of the pros and cons of each option. There are some fairly significant differences between Invisalign and nighttime-only aligners, and here are the things you need to know about those differences.
Daily Wear Time
The length of time you wear the aligners each day varies significantly between these two treatment options. With traditional Invisalign treatment, you will wear the aligners all the time except when you eat or brush your teeth. This equates to about 22 hours each day. With nighttime-only aligners, you wear those mostly overnight while sleeping. Those aligners need to be worn about 10 hours per day.
Length Of Treatment
Not only does the amount of time you wear the aligners each day vary, but the total length of treatment can vary quite a bit between the two treatment types as well. Typically, wearing your aligners for longer periods of time means that your teeth will shift more quickly. Thus, the treatment times for Invisalign usually average about 6 months. However, nighttime aligners need to be worn for 10-12 months in most cases.
Cost
Although the cost difference is not extreme, nighttime-only aligners usually cost a little more than Invisalign. The main reason for this is because the length of treatment lasts longer. Since many patients can complete Invisalign treatment in as few as 6 months, the additional 4 to 6 months of treatment required with nighttime aligners will add to the cost. Invisalign treatment averages $2,100 to $2,600, while nighttime-only aligners will typically cost you around $2,400 to $2,900.
Treatable Conditions
Depending on the severity of your condition, nighttime aligners might not be a viable option. Since that type of aligner is usually only worn for 8-10 hours each day, they are only capable of treating mild conditions. Nighttime-only aligners can be used for mild gaps or overcrowding, very mild overjet issues, or perhaps a single misaligned tooth in your smile. On the other hand, Invisalign can treat more severe issues since those aligners are worn almost constantly.
Choosing The Right Treatment Option
Now that you understand the major differences between Invisalign and nighttime-only aligners, you will be better prepared to make the decision about which one is right for you. If you prefer to be as discreet as possible with your treatment, then nighttime-only aligners might be the best fit. However, if you have a more severe condition or want to finish your treatment as soon as possible, then Invisalign will likely be the way to go. You should always consult an experienced orthodontist to help determine the proper treatment plan for your desired results.
Schedule Your Appointment For A Beautiful Smile Today
If you are ready to obtain the smile of your dreams, schedule an appointment with Northern Virginia Orthodontics today. Our caring and professional team can help make sure that you end up with a beautiful and perfect smile. We will ensure that you are always comfortable at each and every visit, and you will want to show off your new smile to everyone! Schedule your appointment today to get started.