Crooked teeth are embarrassing, but they come with other problems as well. They can be difficult to keep clean, and they’re more likely to experience excessive wear and tear. They may also cause jaw problems and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). If your teeth aren’t in their proper places, you may need orthodontic treatment — but what type of orthodontic treatment? Are traditional braces or Invisalign in Inwood Village the better choice? Let’s take a moment to compare these options.
Effectiveness
Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to apply gentle pressure to teeth. Over time, the teeth shift into their proper positions. This is a tried and true way to correct alignment problems, and it is suitable for even severe orthodontic issues.
Invisalign uses a series of clear thermoplastic aligners to move teeth. It’s great for correcting most alignment, spacing, and bite issues, although it might not work for very bad orthodontic problems. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Inwood Village can reveal if Invisalign is a good choice for your mouth.
Appearance
One reason why so many people shy away from traditional braces is that they are so noticeable; they may even make their wearers feel like they’ve gone back in time to the awkward years of adolescence. Braces are available with clear brackets and wires, but they are still a far cry from discreet.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is very discreet. The aligners are not completely invisible, but they still allow you to smile and speak with confidence — you’ll never be labeled as a “metal mouth”!
Convenience
Traditional braces are convenient in that since they are always on your teeth, you don’t ever have to worry that you’ll forget to wear them. However, their semi-permanent nature also means that you must be very careful about what you eat so you don’t break a wire or get something stuck in your braces. It can also be a challenge to clean your teeth when you’re wearing metal braces.
Invisalign aligners are removable, which offers a different kind of convenience. You take them out of your mouth when you’re eating or drinking anything except plain water. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions and no need to worry that your favorite snack will somehow hinder your orthodontic treatment. Cleaning your teeth is also easy since Invisalign allows you to brush and floss like normal.
Speed
The length of an orthodontic treatment always depends on the severity of the issues that need to be corrected. On average, however, traditional braces require at least 18 months to finish their work. Invisalign takes only 12 months on average.
Invisalign is a fantastic choice for adults who want a convenient and discreet way to straighten their teeth! If you want to learn more about this treatment, please schedule a consultation with your local dentist.