Have imperfections in your smile can cause self confidence issues. A pretty smile is something that is highly valued all over. Trying to make a choice for teeth correction can be somewhat overwhelming, especially with so many different option available. The biggest question people face is whether or not to go traditional or invisible. Invisalign and traditional braces are worlds apart and have many differences.
Facts About Invisalign
1. Basics
Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces for straightening your teeth. It uses a series of clear aligners in order to adjust the placement of the teeth. They are not permanently installed in the mouth such as wire braces.
2. How It Works
Invisalign works by creating a series of aligners custom for your teeth and your needs. The trays are made of virtually invisible plastic that go over the teeth. Every couple of weeks, or as directed by your dentist, you use a new aligners. This switch of aligners is because each one shifts your teeth just a little more. You continue this process until desired results are achieved.
3. Right For You?
Invisalign works for a wide range of dental problems, but not all of them. They are effective in treating over and underbites, which are among the most common reasons that teeth straightening is desired. Gaps in teeth and crowding can also be successfully corrected with the use of Invisalign.
4. How Long?
The exact amount of time it will take to correct your teeth depends entirely on two things; the extent of alteration being done, and your own commitment. The average case normally takes between 12 and 14 months to correct. The aligners are meant to be worn for 22 hours a day, and only taken out when you are eating or brushing your teeth, so if you wear them for less than the directed time, it will take longer to correct your smile.
5. Process
If you are interested in using Invisalign the first thing you must do is identify a provider in your area and schedule an appointment. At your first appointment you will work with your dentist to create a custom plan just for you. Once you treatment plan is established a mold of your teeth will be taken for your aligners to be created.
Things To Know About Traditional Braces
1. How They Work
Braces are done by bonding or attaching brackets onto each individual tooth and then connecting wires to each bracket. The constant pressure and force of the wires slowly push teeth to their desired location. The process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years depending on how extensive the shift in teeth will be.
2. Different Types
There are many different forms of braces that can be used. Some are more effective for certain cases than others. Metal wire braces are the most common, where metal, wire, and rubber ties are used to shift teeth. Lingual braces are gaining in popularity because they are more cosmetic. They are the same as metal braces but attached on the back of the teeth rather than the front in order to be unseen, these tend to take much longer to be effective. Ceramic wired braces are another form of braces that are common, they are considered “clear” because the brackets are made from ceramic and colored to match the shade of the teeth.
3. Pain
Because there is constant pressure on the teeth pain and soreness is very common. For traditional braces to work, the wires must be periodically tightened, which is a painful ordeal. The jaw and teeth feel extremely sore afterwords while they are getting used to the new tightness. Over the counter pain relievers are suggested to help manage any pain from braces.
Differences Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces
1.Visibility
The largest and most obvious difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is the fact that Invisalign is designed to not be seen. This allows you to be correcting your smile, and people not even notice. Traditional braces however are quite obvious, since they are metal and attached to the fronts of your teeth.
2. Process
The process in which each of these teeth correcting measures are done is also very different from each other. With traditional braces the brackets are bonded onto the teeth directly, with wires attaching them together. This can be uncomfortable and cause problems such as not being able to clean your teeth properly. You also have to regularly go visit your orthodontist in order to have them tightened. Invisalign is 100 percent removable. This means you can take them out when you want to brush your teeth or eat. The amount of office visits are also cut down because a full set of aligners for your entire treatment can be made at once.
3. Food
There are many things that are off limit to someone who has traditional braces. Food can easily become stuck in the brackets on the teeth and cause issues such as tooth decay. Gum, very chewy foods, and very hard foods are supposed to be avoided with braces. Invisalign is unique because it allows you to remove the aligner when you eat, meaning you can eat whatever you’d like.