Is Invisalign Faster Than Traditional Braces for Straightening Teeth?
Meet Dr. Stacie Morrison
Dr. Stacie Morrison, a proud Wyoming native, grew up in Cheyenne and began her journey in dentistry at the University of Wyoming before earning her dental degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. After practicing in her hometown for several years, she realized her heart belonged in Laramie's warm, close-knit community. Fueled by a dream to build her dental practice, she returned to Laramie to create a space where personalized, compassionate care thrives.
Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Morrison enjoys life with her husband Jake and their two sons, Lincoln and Lachlan. You'll often find her cheering on local teams, from Laramie High School to her alma mater, the University of Wyoming. A former college cheerleader herself, Dr. Morrison now channels that same spirit into helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles, especially through her passion for Invisalign!
Introduction
When it comes to straightening your teeth, one of the first questions people ask is: Which is faster, Invisalign or traditional braces? Understandably, you want your smile transformation to be as quick and smooth as possible.
At Summit View Dentistry, Dr. Stacie Morrison has helped countless patients straighten their teeth efficiently and comfortably. As a Gold Invisalign Provider, she combines expertise with advanced techniques that significantly reduce treatment time. While most Invisalign cases take an average of 11 months, Dr. Morrison's cases often average just 6 months, thanks to her advanced training.
So, is Invisalign faster than braces? The short answer: it depends. Let's break down the facts and help you make the best decision for your smile.
Understanding the Basics: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Before comparing the speed of Invisalign and braces, it's helpful to understand what sets them apart.
Invisalign
Clear, removable aligners
Custom-fit using digital scans
Virtually invisible
Fewer office visits
No metal or wires
Traditional Braces
Metal or ceramic brackets fixed to teeth
Connected by wires and rubber bands
Highly visible
Regular adjustments needed
Often used for complex cases
Both systems aim to move your teeth into proper alignment, but they do so in very different ways.
Treatment Time
On average, traditional braces take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Some complex cases can even go beyond two years.
By comparison, Invisalign generally averages 11 to 18 months. Still, under the care of a provider like Dr. Stacie Morrison, treatment can take as little as 6 months for many patients. That's nearly three times faster than some brace cases. Dr. Stacie Morrison's analysis of the speed of Invisalign vs. metal braces highlights how personalized planning, advanced techniques, and patient compliance all contribute to significantly reduced treatment times.
So why the difference?
Why Invisalign Can Be Faster:
Custom Treatment Plans – Every Invisalign plan begins with a 3D scan, pictures, and X-rays. From there, Dr. Morrison creates your ClinCheck, a digital animation that shows how your teeth will move tray by tray. This level of planning often results in faster and more predictable outcomes.
Fewer Adjustments – Traditional braces require manual tightening at each visit. Invisalign trays are pre-programmed and designed to move your teeth with consistent, gentle pressure.
Advanced Techniques by Dr. Morrison – Trained extensively in advanced Invisalign techniques, Dr. Morrison uses IPR (Interproximal Reduction) and attachments (tooth-colored anchors) when needed to ensure efficient tooth movement. This expertise is a major reason her cases average just 6 months.
The Invisalign Process at Summit View Dentistry
Wondering what the Invisalign journey looks like with Dr. Morrison? Here's what to expect:
1. Initial Consultation
You'll first meet with Dr. Morrison to determine if Invisalign is right for you. If approved, you'll move on to the next step.
2. Scan, Pictures, and X-Rays
This visit captures all the information needed to create your custom aligners. Using state-of-the-art digital scanning technology, we capture detailed images of your teeth, eliminating the need for messy impressions.
3. ClinCheck: Your 3D Smile Preview
Dr. Morrison carefully plans your ClinCheck, a digital animation that shows how each tooth will move during your Invisalign journey. You'll see the expected outcome before you even start.
Once you approve the ClinCheck, production of your custom aligners begins.
4. Starting Treatment
Your first set of trays arrives, and treatment officially begins. You will wear your aligners all the time, including while eating, drinking, and sleeping, 24 hours a day, except when removing them to brush and floss. This consistent wear is critical for staying on track.
5. Advanced Techniques for Faster Results
Depending on your case, Dr. Morrison may use:
IPR: Polishing tiny spaces between teeth to ease crowding.
Attachments: Small, tooth-colored shapes placed on your teeth to help the aligners apply pressure effectively.
6. Minimal In-Office Visits
You'll receive several sets of trays at once and come in for minimal monitoring visits. We track your progress and make adjustments only if necessary.
7. Completion and Retainers
Once your last tray is complete, we'll provide you with custom retainers to help preserve your smile. We recommend wearing them full-time for 3 months to protect the results you've achieved.
How Does Invisalign Stay on Track?
The secret to Invisalign's speed isn't just the technology; it's your commitment to wearing the aligners. Wearing the trays as directed is what ensures fast results. If you remove them too often, you'll delay progress.
With traditional braces, the brackets are fixed, so you don't have a choice but to keep them on. Invisalign requires self-discipline. But for patients who follow the instructions closely, it often moves teeth just as fast, if not quicker, than braces. Discover Dr. Stacie Morrison's comparison of Invisalign and traditional braces speed to understand better how aligner discipline and professional planning influence results
So… Is Invisalign Always Faster?
Not always. While Invisalign is faster for mild to moderate cases, traditional braces may be quicker for:
Complex bite issues
Extreme crowding or spacing
Certain jaw misalignments
However, with Dr. Morrison's advanced training and individualized approach, even many complex cases can be effectively treated with Invisalign.
Invisalign Advantages Beyond Speed
Even if Invisalign and braces take the same amount of time, many patients would still choose Invisalign. Here's why:
1. Comfort
No metal brackets or wires means fewer mouth sores and less discomfort.
2. Appearance
Clear aligners are nearly invisible. No one needs to know you're straightening your teeth.
3. Oral Hygiene
Because the aligners are removable, it's easier to brush and floss properly, leading to better overall oral health.
4. Fewer Emergencies
No broken wires or popped brackets. Invisalign is smooth and hassle-free.
What Real Patients Say About Invisalign at Summit View Dentistry
Many patients come to Dr. Stacie Morrison after delaying treatment for years, thinking braces were their only option. Once they see their ClinCheck and learn they can complete treatment in just 6 months, the choice becomes clear.
With fewer visits, a clear and comfortable design, and professional guidance from a Gold Invisalign provider, Invisalign becomes the smarter, faster, and more flexible option. Get Dr. Stacie Morrison's perspective on whether Invisalign is faster than braces and why so many patients are choosing clear aligners over metal brackets.
FAQ's
1. How long does Invisalign take with Dr. Morrison?
Most cases at Summit View Dentistry take an average of 6 months, compared to the general Invisalign average of 11 months.
2. Do I have to wear the aligners 24/7?
Yes. You must wear them all the time: while eating, drinking, and sleeping, and only take them out to clean your teeth. This ensures the fastest results.
3. Can Invisalign treat complex cases?
In many cases, yes. Dr. Morrison's training enables her to utilise advanced techniques, such as attachments and IPR, to address more complex movements.
4. Is Invisalign painful?
Some pressure or tightness is normal with each new tray. Still, Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, as it has no wires or brackets.
5. What happens after Invisalign treatment is done?
You'll receive custom retainers, which should be worn full-time for 3 months to keep your teeth in place and protect the work you've completed.
Conclusion
Suppose you're looking for a faster, more convenient way to straighten your teeth. In that case, Invisalign with Dr. Stacie Morrison, a Gold Invisalign Provider at Summit View Dentistry, is a clear winner. While every case is different, Dr. Morrison's advanced training enables most of her patients to complete treatment in just 6 months, compared to 18–24 months with traditional braces.
From the initial scan and ClinCheck to your last tray and final retainer, you're in the hands of professionals. Invisalign isn't just about faster results; it's about comfort, convenience, and confidence. Dr. Stacie Morrison's insights on how long Invisalign takes compared to braces reinforce that with professional planning and consistent wear, clear aligners can often deliver quicker outcomes than traditional methods.
Remember
Invisalign can be faster than traditional braces, especially with the guidance of Dr. Morrison's professional care. Just wear your aligners 24/7 and follow the plan to stay on track
Disclaimer
Every patient's dental condition is unique. Treatment timelines, outcomes, and eligibility for Invisalign vary from individual to individual. This blog is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional dental consultation.