For many Americans, the time comes that your dentist or orthodontist makes the recommendation to get braces. It’s an experience that many people experience. According the to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 4 million Americans are wearing braces today. Deciding whether or not to get braces is a difficult enough decision, never mind which type to choose. Between traditional metal braces and Invisalign, your dentist can help you decide which one is better catered to you.
How Does Each Method Work?
Traditional Metal Braces: This method relies on brackets fastened to the teeth and wires to gradually guide teeth toward their desired positioning.
Invisalign: Invisalign uses clear, comfortable aligners that are hardly noticeable in the mouth to progressively straighten teeth. Each set of aligners applies gentle pressure to push teeth into place.
Both methods are great options, and each has its individual benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces?
- Complex Transformations: Traditional metal braces are likely to be a better option for those with severe tooth misalignment. Because traditional braces are more securely affixed to the tooth, they are more ideal for teeth that require a lot of rotation and movement.
- Easy Compliance: You cannot remove them yourself. While this may not seem like an advantage at first, keep in mind that your teeth wouldn’t move as effectively if braces were to be periodically removed. For those who feel that they aren’t going to commit to wearing Invisalign all the time, metal braces may be a better option.
- Proven Effectiveness: Traditional metal braces have proven to work for many years, and people are overwhelmingly happy with their final results.
- Price: While both methods are often covered by dental insurance plans, compared to Invisalign, traditional metal braces tend to be more affordable.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
- Invisibility: As advertised, Invisalign is practically invisible. The main thing people dread about traditional braces is how everyone can see them when you smile. With Invisalign, no one knows it’s there
- Removal: You can remove them anytime. While keeping them out too long disrupts the movement of your teeth, this is an advantage when it comes to cleaning your teeth because there aren’t any additional places for food to get stuck. In addition, there are no limitations to what you can eat.
- More comfortable: While neither option screams comfort, Invisalign tends to use less pressure to move your teeth into place.
Determining which option is better catered to you can be a difficult decision. Fortunately, you don’t need to decide alone. Consult your dentist to figure out the best method for you to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! No matter which method you choose, you will love the outcome!
About the Practice
Dr. Stephen Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards practice at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry in Oak Park, FL. They provide a variety of dental services including traditional orthodontics and Invisalign. They work together to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment for their patients with high quality treatment. For more information, visit their website or call (904) 272-0800.