WANT STRAIGHTER TEETH? YOU HAVE MORE OPTIONS THAN YOU THINK!
Did you know that in the US alone more than 4 million people are wearing braces? Over 11 million people worldwide, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles. There’s little doubt that orthodontic care can improve your quality of life but the question that you might be asking yourself is, “Which orthodontic treatment is right for me?” Luckily, Dr. Maggie AAACD has the answers to all of your questions. In the meantime, we’ve compared Invisalign to traditional metal braces in this article so that you can begin to formulate your questions and decide what treatment options might be right for you.
Braces: Time-Tested Orthodontic Care for Confident Smiles
Braces have been around for hundreds of years and some primitive forms have even been found on ancient Egyptian mummies. Fortunately, braces have evolved a lot since then and they are now one of the most reliable and effective forms of orthodontic treatment. Braces move your teeth using brackets bonded to each tooth which are then connected by a metal wire. Once attached, forces are carefully applied through the braces to slowly move each tooth into its correct position. The entire process is monitored closely by your orthodontist.
There are a few types of braces (metal, ceramic, and lingual braces for example) and they have proven to be effective for even the most severe malalignments. In certain cases where Invisalign may be less effective, such as cases involving impacted teeth or severe crowding, traditional braces might result in the best outcomes for the patient.
The Downsides of Braces
Despite having a strong upside, braces aren’t for everyone. Below we’ve listed a few aspects of traditional braces that some might prefer to avoid.
- Since braces are constantly attached throughout the treatment, maintaining good oral hygiene can be more challenging. Plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease, bad breath, and tooth discoloration. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene and going to the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups is of the utmost importance to minimize these risks during the orthodontic treatment.
- Hard, sticky, and chewy foods can break your braces or get stuck under the wire, so foods such as nuts and candy should be avoided to decrease the risk of damaging the appliance.
- Braces can also be a bit uncomfortable as the wires and brackets can rub and irritate the delicate lining of your mouth.
- Braces may require more office visits than Invisalign since adjustments are needed throughout the treatment. Emergencies, a sharp or poking wire for example, are more common.
- Lastly, braces are much more visible than Invisalign. While younger patients might not mind the appearance of braces, some patients may prefer the more discreet look of clear aligners and the ability to remove them for short periods of time for special events or hygiene purposes.
Invisalign: Discreet, Comfortable, and Effective!
Do you prefer to straighten your teeth with a bit more flexibility, comfort, and discretion? If so, the much less conspicuous option of Invisalign might be the ideal solution for you.
At Designer Smiles of Colorado, Invisalign aligners are individually tailored to address your unique diagnoses and treatment goals. Each set is carefully engineered to be streamlined and comfortable as they gently improve your smile.
Comfort is a key advantage of Invisalign aligners. While braces may poke, pinch or rub against your lips and gums, Invisalign aligners fit seamlessly against your teeth. There are no sharp or rough edges that can cause tissue irritation or discomfort. Although they are subtle and barely noticeable, these removable aligners still provide effective treatment with predictable and long-lasting results. In fact, Invisalign may be even more effective than braces in certain cases due to their distribution of force across the entire tooth.
Ease of cleaning is another advantage of removable aligners. You still need to wear Invisalign 22 hours a day to be effective but being able to take them out definitely has its benefits! Also, you can eat whatever you want as long as you promptly brush your teeth, rinse your aligners, and put them back in afterwards. The simplified home care requirements of Invisalign decreases the chances of gum infection and dental decay resulting in better oral, as well as overall, health.
In addition to the comfort and health benefits, Invisalign requires fewer office visits during the course of treatment. The custom aligner sets are each worn for two weeks and then exchanged for the next set in the series. Patients are often issued multiple sets of trays in the series to reduce the need for frequent appointments. The option of teeth whitening during the treatment is also a perk that Invisalign patients can enjoy because the aligners themselves can double as whitening trays. Simply apply a dentist recommended whitening gel to the inside of your aligners and wear them at night for an easy whitening treatment option.
The Downsides of Invisalign
Despite having some very notable advantages, there are certain aspects of Invisalign that may not be suitable for all patients.
- Some complex conditions may require traditional braces, or a combination of braces and Invisalign, to be properly corrected. For example, drawing out impacted teeth or aligning high canines can be challenging to do with Invisalign alone. An experienced Invisalign orthodontic provider is crucial when it comes to choosing the correct treatment option. A thorough examination with Dr. Maggie AAACD is highly recommended to properly diagnose your condition and to assess whether Invisalign is a good option for you.
- Since the aligners can be removed you need to be a bit more careful to make sure that they don’t get lost or damaged. They need to be stored properly in their case when removed so they don’t get stepped on, thrown away in a napkin, or chewed up by a curious dog (a surprisingly common occurrence).
During your free consultation, Dr. Maggie AAACD will discuss your diagnosis with you and recommend a treatment option that is best suited for your needs. Together, you will embark on a partnership that will keep you smiling for years to come. Call to book your spot right away!