If you’re thinking about getting braces – but you don't know what your options are – it's always best to contact a dentist or an orthodontist before making a decision. Most of us only assume that we have to get metal braces when teeth are misaligned, but Invisalign is widely available as an alternative. So, what exactly are the advantages of Invisalign versus traditional braces? Here's a look at the basics to help you make the right choice.
What’s different about Invisalign?
Generally, braces correct cosmetic defects and other dental issues that develop as we age, especially before and during our pubescent years. Still, you can wear braces at any point in your life because they're not mainly for children. In fact, about 25 percent of adults in the U.S. will have braces at some point in their lives. Whereas braces require more in-depth and sometimes painful procedures, Invisalign's purpose is to straighten teeth without using metal braces, the traditional means of addressing many oral health ailments.
The procedure uses clear aligners rather than the stainless steel or ceramic aligners you use for braces. The overall idea is to conceal that you’re actually wearing a dental device. At a glance, most people won’t be able to tell whether or not you have braces.
Why Invisalign?
The worst part about braces is the effort required to maintain and clean them. In particular, children hate the feeling of metal in their mouths. It's even harder to get them to wear a retainer once a dentist removes the braces. But the most significant distinction is that you'll need to replace Invisalign aligners regularly, usually every few weeks. Whereas braces are not disposable and require regular tightening, Invisalign is practically disposable.
How does Invisalign work?
You can use Invisalign to treat these common dental health problems:
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Underbites
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Crooked teeth
You're likely already a candidate for the treatment, but the catch is that Invisalign won't fix certain dental defects. You might need metal braces for those situations or require some type of dental surgery. On the other hand, Invisalign is non-invasive because the treatment begins with a dentist taking three-dimensional images of the mouth. That way, they can custom-fit Invisalign aligners to the exact contours of your mouth. Best of all, it doesn't take too long to receive Invisalign in Cary, NC, because our facility is readily available to anyone who might need braces.
Ultimately, if you decide that Invisalign is right for you, these are the top advantages you can expect after completing all procedures. Simply put, Invisalign is less obvious to others, easier to maintain, and easier to install as well.
