Invisalign or Braces: Which Is Right for Me?

Did you know that straightening your teeth improves your health as well as your appearance? An aligned smile can correct bite issues, prevent unnecessary tooth decay and fractures, and even lower your risk of serious oral health conditions like gum disease. Traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners are both popular ways to straighten your smile, but they each come with a unique set of pros and cons. Read on as your Grand Island dentist explains the key differences between these two orthodontic treatments, and which one may be right for you.

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

You may be familiar with what traditional braces look like, but do you know how they work? First, metal brackets are affixed to the front of each individual tooth with a specialized dental glue. An archwire is then attached to the brackets with elastic O-rings. This puts constant pressure on your teeth and jawline, which shifts them into place. Over time, the archwire is adjusted and tightened as the jaw and teeth adapt.

What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

The Invisalign system utilizes a series of alignment trays that are custom made for each step of your journey towards a straighter smile. Similar to braces, they exert a constant pressure on your teeth as you wear them in order to slowly move them into place. Once your teeth have become accustom to that aligner, it’s replaced with the next one to further shift your teeth into position.

Which Orthodontic Treatment Should I Choose?

Which orthodontic treatment will work best for you depends heavily on your unique situation, including your age, oral health, lifestyle, bite alignment, and the severity of your tooth misalignment. Your dentist will closely inspect your mouth and review your medical history with you to identify which one will work best for your smile.

Clear Invisalign aligners are an appealing choice for busy adults or teenagers who would feel self-conscious with metal wires and brackets in their mouth. Since they’re removable as well, they won’t get in the way of enjoying your favorite foods, sports, or activities. However, their removable nature comes with downsides as well. You need to have enough self-discipline to faithfully wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day in order for them to work. It can also be very easy to lose, forget, or damage them if you’re not paying attention.

Traditional metal braces on the other hand are non-removable, so you’ll never have to worry about accidentally throwing them away or not wearing them for enough time each day. However, they come with their own need for self-discipline. You’ll need to adhere to certain dietary restrictions, take extra care during some activities, and put extra effort into cleaning all the nooks and crannies in your mouth.

While each treatment comes with their own pros and cons, they both are designed to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile. Talk to your dentist today to discover which treatment is right for you.

About the Practice

At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing both excellent and comfortable dentistry to the smiles of Grand Island, NE. That’s why our highly trained team of dentists has invested in state-of-the-art technology. They also complete hours of continuing education to stay up to date on the latest dental techniques. This combination allows them to offer the most enjoyable, efficient treatments with long-lasting and beautiful results. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, feel free to contact them via their website or at (308) 382-4440.