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Having straight teeth and a perfectly aligned jaw isn’t just crucial for a beautiful smile. Your overall health will improve once you correct your crooked teeth—you can chew more efficiently, and you’ll be able to reach the inner nooks and crannies of your teeth when you brush.
Orthodontic treatments will help align your teeth. The two main methods to do this are traditional metal braces and Invisalign. Both are excellent options and will give you straight teeth and improve your oral health.
If you are torn between traditional braces and Invisalign, this article is here to help. Read on for a complete breakdown of the different processes and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Traditional Metal Braces
For decades, many children all over the world have grinned their metal grins without shame. Braces are the most popular way to realign crooked teeth. Brackets are glued to each tooth, and all the brackets are connected using a thin wire. Over time, the wires are adjusted to correct the alignment in the teeth and jaw.
Metal braces can be made fun by colorful rubber ties that hold the wire to the bracket. If you want a more discreet look, clear brackets are also an option.
Pros:
Traditional braces are a flexible treatment, and there are no limitations to the type of teeth they can treat.
Braces are permanent, so they are correcting your teeth 24/7.
Cons:
Braces are a significant adjustment when they’re first placed on your teeth and for every adjustment made along the way. Soreness and discomfort mean that the treatment is working.
Hard and sticky food can stick to your brackets and break them off your tooth.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a more discreet orthodontic treatment that is perfect for older children and adults. Clear plastic trays are created to fit your teeth and shift their alignment. You wear one set of trays for several months before switching to a new set. Over time, your teeth will shift into their correct place.
Pros:
Invisalign trays are clear and discreet—they are barely noticeable to the naked eye. If you are of advanced age and don’t want to wear metal braces, Invisalign is a great option.
Invisalign trays are molded to your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about brackets rubbing into your gums or breaking off when you eat.
Cons:
Invisalign may not be an option for extreme cases of crooked teeth.
If you eat or drink while wearing your trays, you have to take them out and clean them after your meal.
Choosing Between Invisalign and Braces
The treatment period and cost of your orthodontic treatment of choice largely depend on your teeth’s current alignment. Generally, Invisalign treatment can last for six to 18 months, while braces can take at least two years.
The frequency of visits to your dentist can also vary. If you get braces, they may require adjustments and tightening once a month, while you may have to swap out your Invisalign trays every two to six weeks.
Your dentist will have all the information you need to make a final decision. Either way, you will get that perfect and healthy smile soon enough!
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatments aim to align your teeth and jaw for a great smile and improved oral health. If you are facing a choice between braces and Invisalign, the main thing to consider is discretion: do you mind permanent brackets glued onto your teeth for at least two years, or do you want the flexibility of clear plastic trays that hardly anyone will notice?
If you want to know more about metal braces or Invisalign treatment in Ann Arbor, Dental House MI can help. Our experienced staff uses the latest dental technologies for a wide range of techniques and procedures. We also offer other comprehensive adult orthodontic treatment. Schedule an appointment today!
