At an initial meeting, the condition of your smile is one of the first traits a person will notice. If you don’t have straight teeth, it can leave an unfavorable impression. Thankfully, there are now two ways to correct your bite: Invisalign clear braces and traditional braces. With both procedures offering pros and cons, which is best suited for your smile needs? Continue reading to get expert advice from a dentist in Mount Vernon!
Traditional Braces Explained
Consisting mainly of metal brackets and wires and elastic bands, braces apply pressure to straighten teeth. It can typically take 24 to 36 months for the process to conclude, requiring patients to visit their orthodontist every four weeks for adjustments.
What is Invisalign?
Treatment with Invisalign relies on BPA-free clear plastic trays to move teeth to their correct position – just like braces. However, the process starts with a dentist custom designing a smile correction plan that is sent to a certified Invisalign lab. There, a series of trays are fabricated to the dentist’s specifications.
When the aligner trays arrive, the patient is instructed to wear each set for two weeks and then exchange them for the next set in the series. This sequence is followed throughout the duration of the process. Treatment times can vary based on the patient’s specific needs. In some cases, patients can have their teeth straightened in as little as 12 months.
Why Invisalign May be Better for You
Invisalign is growing in popularity, and it can be attributed to the fact that more people are learning about its amazing benefits. Here are some of the perks that give it an advantage over braces:
- Comfortability – The process of fixing your bite doesn’t have to be painful. Because of the precision design of Invisalign trays, you’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant treatment process.
- Tracking – You won’t have to wonder whether you’re making progress with Invisalign due to pinpoint tracking, which refers to the movement of your teeth in accordance with your treatment plan.
- Appearance – Many people aren’t fond of having metal components in their mouth that draw unwanted attention. With Invisalign, you’ll be able to enjoy a discreet treatment process.
- Better Oral Hygiene – While metal braces require special techniques and tools to perform oral hygiene, you don’t have to worry about any of this with Invisalign. That’s because you’ll be able to easily remove the trays before brushing and flossing your teeth.
Because all patients are unique, you’ll need to start by visiting a local dentist for a smile assessment. Based on the condition of your teeth, he or she can make a suggestion about Invisalign vs. braces. Therefore, you can move forward with straightening your teeth and enjoying a more functional and attractive smile!
About the Author
Dr. James Leon is a graduate of West Virginia University. He has also earned a certification in orthodontics from the United States Dental Institute. An avid learner, Dr. Leon has completed several hours of continuing education throughout his career to ensure that he can provide his patients with the absolute best in care. He corrects bites with Invisalign at Cross Creek Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.