If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have been recommended by a dentist that you do so, you may be wondering whether you should get braces or Invisalign aligners. Both Invisalign and braces are effective methods for correcting misaligned teeth and poor bites, but there are some important differences.
Importance of Orthodontic Treatments for Correcting Misaligned Teeth and Poor Bites
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, it’s crucial to be aware of the importance of correcting misaligned teeth and poor bites, beyond aesthetic concerns. Receiving orthodontic correction, using either method, is better than leaving significant alignment issues untreated.
Misaligned teeth are more challenging to clean, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth, on the other hand, are easier to maintain and keep clean.
In addition, periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues. Prioritizing oral health, including receiving orthodontic therapy, can help reduce risks. Misaligned teeth can cause problems with the TMJ and lead to breakdown of the teeth as well as cause gingival recession due to increased stress on the teeth due to the misalignment.
Invisalign Aligners
An Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to gently shift and straighten teeth, offering a discreet and comfortable treatment option. They come as a series of trays, or aligners, and you progress to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks. Each aligner brings teeth closer to their final positions.
An Invisalign treatment involves clear, nearly invisible aligners, which are a key reason why many patients prefer this option. They allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly. This makes it a popular option for those who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces.
Invisalign aligners are custom fitted and made of a smooth plastic. They provide predictable results and treatment times can be as short as six months for simple cases.
You can remove Invisalign aligners to eat and clean your teeth. This means you have an easier time cleaning your teeth properly, and you can continue to enjoy any foods you normally eat.
In many cases, Invisalign can achieve desired results quite quickly. The progression of tooth movement is achieved by simply switching trays according to schedule.
Success with Invisalign requires wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Invisalign treatment can help you achieve the smile you want, correcting crowding, spacing, overbites, deep bites, open bites and more!
If you are curious about what your smile could look like before we start treatment, book your free consultation to get a 3D scan of your smile to see a before and after result, to see if Invisalign can correct your teeth.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that apply pressure to teeth, gradually shifting and aligning them over several months.
Traditional braces are highly effective in correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems, from mild to severe cases, making them a versatile choice. With braces, there are no concerns about compliance, as they are fixed to the teeth and work continuously to shift them into proper alignment.
Traditional braces are noticeable, and many people, particularly adults, have concerns about their appearance with braces.
Braces make cleaning teeth more challenging, because of the affixed wires and brackets, which increases the risk of plaque buildup, decay and other dental issues, so strict oral hygiene routines are very important.
Braces may come with some dietary restrictions on what you can eat, so the brackets don’t become damaged.
Alternative Types of Braces
Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires, for a more discreet, aesthetic option for braces. Ceramic brackets are more delicate than metal ones and may chip or crack if subjected to excessive force or dietary restrictions are not followed. Also, the elastic ties can stain or discolour over time.
Making a Decision
Each orthodontic treatment offers different advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of, but any orthodontic treatment is effective for correcting teeth and bite misalignments.
The best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult with Dr. Sidiura at South Oak Dental. After a consultation and assessment of your individual situation, a treatment plan can be developed, based on your dentist’s recommendations on what treatment would be most effective in your case, taking into consideration any preferences you have.
South Oak Dental offers Invisalign treatments, with free consultations to help patients decide on their treatment of choice. Contact us today, and discover how we can help, whether you have slight crookedness or severely misaligned teeth.
Curious about how your smile might look after getting Invisalign? Scan below to see how your new smile would look!
