If you’re frustrated by a crooked grin, you’re not alone. Over 9 million people in the United States receive orthodontic treatment each year. Although many patients seek treatment to enhance their appearance, straightening your smile can also improve your oral health. It’s harder to thoroughly brush and floss teeth that are overcrowded or misaligned because not all surfaces can be reached. Unfortunately, this leaves you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
Fortunately, your dentist can help by providing orthodontic solutions like braces or Invisalign. How do you know, though, which option is best for you? Continue reading to learn more about each so you can decide!
Treatment #1: Traditional Braces
Braces are the tried-and-true method for straightening smiles because they allow your dentist to have more control over the range of motion. This treatment uses a series of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth for the duration of your treatment. They’re threaded with wires and rubber bands that can be manipulated to apply enough pressure to shift your pearly whites into their ideal placements. Although patients with minor misalignments can benefit from braces, they’re often recommended for complex cases that require more rotation or movement.
Some additional benefits include:
- Easy compliance. You don’t have to worry about keeping track of your braces or ensuring you wear them long enough because they’re attached to your teeth 24/7.
- Affordability. Although it can vary based on several factors, in many cases this option costs less than the alternative.
- Proven success. This technique has been used to effectively realign teeth for centuries.
Treatment #2: Invisalign
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces. Instead of metal brackets, it relies on transparent plastic aligner trays that fit over your teeth to gently reposition them. You’ll wear them for 22 hours every day and then after a week or two, your dentist will provide a new set to account for the ongoing movement. This treatment is perfect for patients with somewhat crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth that don’t require as much torque or manipulation.
There are several advantages to using Invisalign, such as:
- Appearance. Because they’re clear, wearing these aligners won’t draw as much attention to your orthodontics.
- Comfort. There are no hard metal corners that can rub or cut the insides of your lips and cheeks.
- Timeline. Typically, Invisalign treatment lasts for a year (though it can vary based on your circumstances) which is much less than the several years it takes with the traditional method.
If you’re still not sure about the best way to even out your grin, then schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can make a recommendation based on your dental condition so that soon, you can have the perfectly straight teeth you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Author
Dr. Rodney L. Allen has more than 20 years of experience offering a full array of services to people of all ages, including Invisalign. He first attended Stephen F. Austin State University and then earned his doctor of dental surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry. He works closely with patients to perfect, preserve, and protect their natural smiles. By utilizing advanced dental technology, like digital X-rays and impressions, he can create individualized treatment plans to meet your unique needs. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (720) 851-6784.