Crooked teeth are a bummer! Not only do they not look good, but they also pose a threat to your oral health. However, you before you decide you need braces and run off to get wires and brackets strapped around your teeth, it would be wise if you researched your options. More and more people are falling in love with Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces. But is one of these treatments better than the other? Your dentist in Harker Heights is here to make a brief comparison of the two.
Effectiveness and Speed
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are capable of correcting many orthodontic issues, including a bad bite, overcrowding, and gaps between the teeth. However, they don’t often correct these problems in the same amount of time. The average treatment time for Invisalign is only 12 months, whereas the average time for traditional braces is 18 months.
Keep in mind, though, that every case is different. Depending on the severity of your smile’s misalignment, your treatment time could be more or less than 12 months with Invisalign.
Appearance
Traditional braces, even if they use some clear parts, are still easy for onlookers to spot. You become a “metal mouth.” Invisalign doesn’t come with that stigma. It isn’t completely invisible, but it is much less obvious than a bunch of brackets and wires. It will make it easier for you to maintain a professional appearance.
Even teens appreciate the discreet appearance of Invisalign. They might not be concerned about looking professional, but they certainly want to be confident when their friends say it’s time for a group selfie.
Convenience
Traditional braces come with dietary restrictions; after all, you don’t want to get gum stuck to them or end up with a popcorn kernel lodged between a wire and your tooth. It might also be a bit tricky to keep your teeth clean beneath them because of all that hardware.
Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take yours out while you’re eating, clean your teeth, and then replace the aligner. Just be sure not to remove them for too long. For your treatment to be as effective as possible, you need to wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours each day.
Comfort
Unfortunately, the brackets and wires of traditional braces can irritate your lips and cheeks, leading to cuts and other minor injuries. Invisalign doesn’t have any of those metal parts, so the soft tissues in your mouth remain safe.
Many patients have also noted that Invisalign is less painful than traditional braces. That’s because you switch to a new aligner every two weeks, making the movement of your teeth more gradual than it would be with braces, which get adjusted every six to eight weeks.
Ready to say goodbye to your crooked teeth? Your dentist in Harker Heights would be happy to talk to you about Invisalign.
About Market Heights Family Dental
The team of dentists, hygienists, and other staff members at Market Heights Family Dental wants you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are interested in learning if Invisalign is right for you, please contact us at 254-699-3565.