Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Treatment Is Right For Me?
Crooked teeth and a misaligned bite can cause a number of aesthetic and functional issues. When malocclusion problems are present, the smile looks uneven. It can also be more difficult to properly clean the teeth, which leaves the mouth vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
An orthodontist is specially trained to correct these types of issues. At Bell Dental, we offer orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth and properly align the bite. The most common orthodontic treatments are Invisalign and braces. We are happy to help our Lake Jackson, TX, patients consider Invisalign vs. braces, and determine which treatment is best-suited to their unique needs and desires.
Invisalign: An Overview
Invisalign is a newer orthodontic technique, but one that has proven to be effective. When malocclusion problems are mild to moderate in severity, Invisalign can provide results that are comparable to braces. Like braces, Invisalign achieves these results by gradually applying pressure to the teeth and jaw over a prolonged period of time. The primary difference between Invisalign and braces is how this pressure is applied.
Invisalign treatment involves the use of clear plastic aligner trays that are very different from the metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. During Invisalign treatment, patients progress through a series of aligners. They switch to a new set of aligners about every two weeks. Each set fits slightly different to ensure that the teeth and jaw continue to move as intended.
Another key feature of Invisalign aligners is that they are completely removable. Our Lake Jackson patients must wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day to promote the success of treatment, but they can remove them when eating or brushing the teeth. This makes it much easier to keep aligners clean and to brush and floss as usual throughout Invisalign treatment.
Braces: An Overview
Braces are the most common orthodontic technique. Braces use a series of metal brackets and wires to shift the teeth into proper alignment. Braces are bonded to the teeth and stay in place throughout treatment. While undergoing braces treatment our Lake Jackson patients periodically return to our office for adjustments. Our dentists tighten the wires on braces so that the teeth and jaw continue to receive the pressure needed to achieve the desired treatment results.
Braces are successful at treating even advanced malocclusion problems, which is why they are so popular. However, one drawback of braces is their appearance. Unlike Invisalign aligners, which are virtually invisible, metal braces and wires stand out easily against the teeth. Fortunately, there are clear braces that use clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. Clear braces are just as effective as metal braces, but a lot more discreet.
Which One Is Right for Me?
The orthodontists at Bell Dental can help patients determine whether braces or Invisalign is best suited to their needs and desires. When malocclusion problems are severe, braces are likely to be the most appropriate treatment. If issues are minor or moderate, patients can choose which technique is right for them based on the benefits of each treatment. Some patients prefer the convenience and discreet appearance of Invisalign, while others like that braces stay in place, meaning they won’t risk losing them or compromising the effects of treatment.
Contact the Team at Bell Dental
If you are ready to straighten your teeth and enhance the health and beauty of your smile, the orthodontists at Bell Dental can help you find the orthodontic treatment that is right for you. To learn more about braces and Invisalign, contact our dental office online, or call us at (979) 297-1201.