If you need orthodontic work, you’ll likely end up getting Invisalign or braces. Both options have strengths that make them great at aligning smiles, correcting bites, etc. With that said, you may wonder: Which of the two should you pick for yourself? Your Rowlett dentist is here to help you with this choice, so please rest assured. Just keep reading to learn about Invisalign, metal braces, and which treatment would suit you best.
What Does Invisalign Involve?
Invisalign is the newer (and less invasive) treatment on the block. As such, it’s quite popular among wide swathes of people now.
Modern Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to straighten teeth. Through these “aligners,” the treatment shifts each tooth into the proper position with micro-movements. The shifts aren’t instantaneous, though; they take place over a year or longer. A patient must thus wear their trays for 20-22 hours daily for 12 months or more.
The biggest perks of Invisalign are its removability and subtlety. The treatment’s trays can be removed as needed, and they’re nearly invisible; they thus don’t interfere with eating, oral hygiene, or smiling.
What About Metal Braces?
Compared to Invisalign, metal braces are the traditional and time-tested orthodontic option. Dentists have been using them to straighten smiles for decades.
A braces treatment consists of steel brackets and wires placed on your teeth. (The brackets get cemented to each tooth, while the wires fit through bracket slots.) Acting together, these materials put pressure on your grin that slowly realigns each crooked tooth. The dental team also tightens the wires during follow-up visits to maintain treatment progress.
Of course, metal braces are visible when you smile. They can thus draw attention from onlookers if you don’t rely on tooth-colored ligatures.
Which Treatment Should You Get?
Neither Invisalign nor metal braces is the absolutely “better” option. Ultimately, which of the you should get will depend on your situation.
A patient may prefer metal braces if they have severe orthodontic issues. After all, its brackets and wires can correct a wider range of alignment issues than clear trays can. (Crowded teeth, overbites, etc.) They’d just have to endure a higher treatment price and “metal mouth” in exchange.
On the other hand, Invisalign works well for those wanting a smooth treatment experience. Its clear trays are well-known for causing less pain, drawing little attention, etc. With that said, Invisalign is best suited for mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues.
Before you pick Invisalign or metal braces, review the facts above and consult your local dentist. You’ll then get on an effective path to straight teeth!
About the Practice
Sweet Family Dentistry is based in Rowlett, TX. Led by Drs. Derek Chan and Josephine Yip, our practice provides conservative, personalized, and effective dental care for all ages. We offer treatments suited for every stage of a smile’s life, from the pediatric-focused to those more senior-oriented. This approach lets us give your whole family the thriving smiles you deserve! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-905-0340.