This holiday season, nothing says merry and bright like a happy, healthy smile! At Weiss and Tor Orthodontics, we love to give the gift of a beautiful smile. We have several treatment options that include Invisalign and traditional braces. There are several benefits to both, but both are unique in their own way. So how do you know which solution is best for you?
Traditional Braces
When you first think of braces, a painful mouth full of metal may come to mind at first. But today, braces can be made less noticeable with clear brackets! Additionally, brackets are smaller today than in years past. Some treatment options offer brackets to be placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front to be less noticeable.
Braces are able to treat a wide variety of dental problems such as crooked, crowded teeth, teeth that are protruding or have irregular spacing. As opposed to other dental treatments, traditional braces are considered for more serious dental cases. Children can receive braces by around the ages of 8 or 9, but shouldn’t be considered for braces before then due to their teeth still developing.
Invisalign
Since its introduction to the market in 1999, Invisalign has become a widely popular alternative to traditional braces. The main appeal of Invisalign is that it’s less noticeable than braces or other orthodontic work. Invisalign is essentially two aligners made of BPA-free plastic that forms to your teeth.
Whereas braces are adjusted every 3 to 10 weeks, you receive a new set of Invisalign retainers about every 2 weeks to adjust to the realignment of your teeth. For some people, braces may seem like a more flexible option because you don’t have to see your orthodontist as frequently in some cases.
In addition to being less noticeable, you have the option to remove the aligners when eating foods, especially foods that can be harmful to the aligners. For this reason, Invisalign has virtually no food restrictions, which can be a big plus. Although removeable, orthodontists recommend minimal removal and having Invisalign in at least 20 hours during the day. Any less could hinder the realignment of your teeth!
While Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces, not everyone will be a candidate. Invisalign is recommended for less serious cases of crowded teeth, spacing issues, and bite issues. Additionally, Invisalign can be worn after a mild relapse happens after braces. Talk to your Ohio orthodontist about the possibility of you or your child receiving Invisalign as an alternative to braces.
At Weiss and Tor Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options that include traditional braces and Invisalign. Schedule an appointment with us
today and we can help you decide which option is better for your smile this holiday season!