If you’ve been wanting to straighten your pearly whites, you may already have heard about two of the most common orthodontic treatments. Traditional braces and Invisalign both can address crooked teeth or gaps in your smile, so how do you know which is best for you? There are several factors your dentist considers when deciding. Keep reading to learn more about these different approaches and why your dentist might choose one over the other!
When Are Traditional Braces Best?
Metal braces have historically been the tried-and-true method for shifting your pearly whites into their ideal positions. Although they’re no longer the only option, they do still come with certain advantages.
One of the most significant is that the metal brackets and wires allow your dentist to precisely control the movement of your teeth. That makes braces the preferred way to treat patients with more complex conditions like severe overcrowding or extreme bite misalignment.
Some additional benefits of braces are that:
- They’re not removable. Metal braces are permanently installed for the duration of your treatment so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of clear aligner trays.
- There’s no change in routine. You’ll be brushing and flossing your teeth just like usual. There’s no need to remove or replace trays.
- Your speech isn’t usually impacted. They might feel a little bulky at first, but generally, braces don’t interfere with your ability to form any certain words or sounds.
You will need to visit your dentist every 4-8 weeks for an adjustment appointment which typically only takes about 30 minutes.
When Is Invisalign Preferred?
If the condition of your teeth doesn’t require traditional braces, then you may want to consider Invisalign. Many patients who have minor overcrowding, small gaps, or slight bite misalignments are great candidates for this approach.
These clear plastic aligners are customized to fit snuggly over your teeth and gently push them into their proper places. Invisalign is growing in popularity due to its unique benefits, which include:
- Discretion. The transparent aligners draw much less attention to themselves than shiny metal brackets!
- Removeable aligner trays. Cleaning is easy! Simply take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth. You should also cleanse your aligners before replacing them in your mouth.
- Faster results. Typically, patients finish treatment in 12-18 months whereas traditional braces can take 24+ months.
Every 2 weeks or so, your dentist will provide you with a new set of aligners to account for movement in your teeth. You’ll also need to see them every 2-3 months to ensure you’re on track and everything is moving as anticipated.
Only your dentist has the skills and experience necessary to assess the condition of your grin and decide how to get it back into shape. Then, they’ll work with you to select which option works best for your circumstances. Either way, in another year or two you’ll have the beautiful, uniform smile you deserve!
About the Practice
At Queensville Dental, we use only state-of-the-art materials and technology so that no matter what service we’re providing, you get the most advanced version. We provide comprehensive services for patients of all ages including Invisalign. If you’re interested in addressing minor gaps or overcrowded teeth, you’re welcome to request an appointment on our website or by calling (289) 366-3024.