Teeth with Braces

It used to be that there was one choice only for aligning your teeth: metal braces. This option is still available, but it’s been modernized, which makes it far less tedious and unappealing. And then there is the truly innovative orthodontic option of Invisalign, the nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth. Which is the best course of orthodontic treatment for you? Your dentist will let you know what’s feasible for your oral health, but here are some differences and similarities to consider as you or your teen decides between traditional metal braces or Invisalign.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Braces can feel like a prison sentence to a teen. The inevitable nicknames like “metal mouth” and “brace face.” The poking and scrapes on gums, lips, and cheeks from rogue wires and brackets. And an adult may dread these inevitabilities even more because you’re mixing professionally and socially with peers whose appearance no longer mimics that of an adolescent. In cases where anxiety about the appearance of braces is extreme, it’s nice to know that Invisalign is a viable option.

Here are just some of the benefits that sway people to choose Invisalign:

  • Nearly invisible aligners so you can go about every day straightening your teeth under the radar, and no one need be the wiser about your orthodontic treatment.
  • The ability to remove your aligners to eat, which means your diet isn’t limited and there are no food restrictions.
  • Usually, a speedier course of treatment that requires less time in the dentist’s chair.
  • A much easier cleaning routine – simply remove the aligners, brush and floss and normal, then replace the aligners.

Customized alignment: The logistics of Invisalign treatment >>

Overcoming the Stigma of Metal Braces

While it’s true that you will suffer some discomfort from time to time while wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign also requires an adjustment period. And both types of orthodontia require dedication on the part of the wearer, whether you have to implement a far more meticulous cleaning routine for your teeth and gums, or whether you have to be responsible for wearing your aligners as prescribed, day in and day out.

Traditional metal braces have come a long way. Here are some of the reasons why they’re the right choice for your orthodontic treatment:

  • Low-profile ceramic braces and brackets blend better with your natural tooth color so they’re far less noticeable.
  • Braces can be spruced up with colorful elastics that frame each bracket. If you have to wear braces, might as well show a little personality, right?
  • Modern metal braces are noticeably smaller, so even if you are sporting wires and brackets, they’re not as overwhelming as they once might have been.
  • Lingual braces are a possibility for some patients – this means the brackets and wires are installed on the inside of your teeth which means they remain hidden while doing the hard work of aligning your smile.

Braces Are Good, In Any Form

Whatever method of orthodontic ultimately ends up being right for you or your teen, the bottom line is this: Straight teeth are healthier teeth. A smile that is in alignment is far easier to care for, which means you are at a lower risk of developing cavities, gum disease, or other oral health problems. An aligned smile also makes it easier for you to eat which improves digestion. And a straight smile looks better, improves your speech, and gives your self-confidence an unparalleled boost.

Contact Dr. Shaista Najmi at Ivory Dental in Jacksonville, Florida, to schedule your orthodontic consultation and discover whether traditional metal braces or Invisalign are right for you.

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