Invisible or Metal Orthodontics
Having crooked or gapped teeth can not only be detrimental to your confidence when smiling but also to your oral health. Orthodontics care has allowed patients to achieve straighter smiles and healthier bites. But choosing the best method of treatment requires a visit with your dentist to discuss the treatment option that best suits your oral health needs and goals. There are two main appliances, invisible braces or clear aligners and traditional metal braces. Below is some detailed information about how each option could improve your smile’s appearance and function.
Traditional Braces
Treatment with traditional metal braces involves securing brackets to each tooth and connecting them with wiring to shift them into the ideal positioning. Metal braces are often more cost-effective than other orthodontic options and have continuously straightened teeth in a timely manner. Patients who choose metal braces must avoid gum, popcorn, and sometimes chips because these can damage the metal brackets and wiring. Metal braces can be uncomfortable at first, with brackets and wires pushing up against the lips, cheeks, and tongue. A special wax is provided to cover brackets that poke or cut and to make your transition to having braces more comfortable.
There are a variety of braces that use brackets and wiring to straighten the smile. The more aesthetically pleasing methods are clear brackets with tooth-colored wiring and lingual braces, where the wiring and brackets are placed behind the teeth. These options may be more expensive, but offer a patient a more discreet way to correct misalignment.
Invisible Orthodontics
More and more patients are choosing clear aligner orthodontic treatment for addressing concerns with their smile. Brands such as Invisalign® and Clear Correct® offer patients who want to avoid the brackets and wiring a less noticeable treatment option. Clear aligners are a custom set of aligner trays that gently guide your teeth into proper positioning. There are no major diet restrictions, as patients are able to remove the trays when eating or drinking. Additionally, patients who have special events, conferences, or meetings, can remove the aligner and speak with confidence and simply put them back on once the event is done.
Many aligners require patients to wear them for at least 20 hours a day.
Depending on your orthodontic evaluation, our team will determine the best orthodontic appliance option for you. Speak with our dentist today to learn more about how we can help straighten your smile.