Braces

Creating the most beautiful smile possible often includes the use of braces. The results are amazing and the increased confidence and health make this option more popular every day.

For ages, the only choice people had to straighten their teeth was metal braces and wires. Today, there is another option. With options, however, come questions. To help determine which type of braces may be best for your particular situation, we’ve put this information together comparing braces to the “new kid on the Block,” Invisalign.

Most people initially consider Invisalign braces because they are the clear choice – literally. Instead of a mouthful of metal, Invisalign uses strong, transparent, high-quality plastic trays custom-fit to your bite, from start to finish. Wearing these nearly invisible trays, the teen or adult can gain a straighter smile without advertising it to the whole world. Invisalign is usually noticed only to those with a very keen eye. For the most part, these braces are virtually undetectable.

While the look is often what patients complain about, there are other aspects of traditional metal braces that are also bothersome. Immediately upon having their metal brackets applied many patients experience discomfort inside the cheek or at the gums. Typically, the only way to alleviate the discomfort is to apply wax to the brackets causing the most problems. With Invisalign, there are no brackets and hence there is no discomfort of metal poking the inside of the mouth.

One of the common issues dentists see in patients with metal braces is tooth decay. While not every patient with braces will experience more cavities, it is simply more difficult to clean teeth with wires and brackets in the way. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of Invisalign; the trays are removable. Not only can a patient remove their trays to eat the foods they love, they may also remove them to brush and floss properly. The patient maintains excellent oral health while working towards an ideal smile. However, Invisalign may not be appropriate for serious misalignment or bite problems with back teeth. Traditional orthodontia can be a better alternative to move teeth significantly.

Having a straight smile can make all the difference in a person’s confidence. With Invisalign, that confidence just comes a little more easily.