Good smiles are great for the soul, and you deserve to flash the most confident of them all. Aligned teeth not only improve your self-esteem but can also improve your overall well-being. If your teeth are misaligned due to inherited genes, premature loss of baby teeth, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use, a qualified dentist or orthodontist can help you bring your teeth back to alignment.
While traditional braces are effective, they can often be uncomfortable, hinder dental hygiene, and require regular monitoring, reducing their popularity among patients. Most people who come to our dental practice in Fort Lauderdale for teeth straightening prefer Invisalign treatment for their effectiveness, comfort, and convenience.
Dentists have used the Invisalign system for many years to fix misaligned teeth and address minor tooth rotations. They also use Invisalign to correct gaps, crowding, and mild bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc).
They do this by creating a SmartTrack thermoplastic aligner that you wear to correct your dental arrangement, leaving you with aligned teeth. Invisalign teeth aligners are 3D printed from your jaw’s design to ensure they fit properly and are comfortable to wear.
You’ll then wear these teeth aligners for 20-22 hours daily and remove them only when eating, flossing, or cleaning them. Depending on your age, the severity of the misalignment, and your biological response to aligners, the Invisalign set needs to be changed every one or two weeks.
Invisalign offers many benefits over its traditional braces counterparts including:
Invisalign has a few downsides, including:
Traditional metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth, overcrowding, and gaps in your teeth. A orthodontist will bond small, high-grade stainless steel brackets on each tooth and then connect all the brackets with a thin, flexible archwire. The wire is held in place using an elastic band known as ligatures, and sometimes, additional metal bands are put around the molars to provide additional anchorage for the brackets and archwire.
Traditional metal braces work similarly to the Invisalign teeth correction system. They apply continual pressure to teeth and gradually move them into alignment.
Metal braces have a few advantages worth considering, including:
Metal braces are losing popularity for various reasons, including:
A few factors come into play when deciding between traditional metal braces and Invisalign:
Invisalign teeth correction system is mostly suited for mild to moderate misalignment issues such as minor crowding, gaps, and simple bite corrections. While Invisalign can handle many cases, it may not be as effective for very complex or severe orthodontic problems.
However, severe misalignment cases call for traditional metal braces intervention. These are best used for cases of severe crowding, large gaps, significant bite problems (overbite, underbite), and rotated teeth.
Invisible braces are made from clear plastic that fits perfectly with your teeth. They are discreet, and not easily noticeable, unlike their traditional metal braces counterparts that are easy to spot from a distance. Traditional metal braces can be a great option for children, but adults and teens often feel self-conscious about wearing them.
Metal braces are often uncomfortable, especially because the wire and metal used can sometimes break, causing discomfort to your gums until you get them fixed. Additionally, after each adjustment, the braces are often painful to have on until your mouth re-adjusts. Invisalign braces, on the other hand, are generally considered more comfortable because they are made of smooth plastic and lack the metal components that can cause irritation.
Invisalign aligners are removable and do not call for dietary restrictions – you can eat whatever food you like. Metal braces require abstinence from certain foods to prevent damage to the braces. These restrictions can pose challenges, especially for children, teens, and people with medical dietary requirements for certain foods.
Invisalign can sometimes cost more than traditional braces, so it’s adviseable to choose an option that suits your budget.
Metal braces are fixed to the teeth, so they don’t rely on patient compliance in terms of wearing them, though it’s crucial to follow your orthodontists care instructions. In contrast, Invisalign requires high discipline and commitment, as the aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day to be effective. Failure to wear them consistently can lead to prolonged treatment time.
Metal braces require regular orthodontic visits every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments to ensure the braces are working effectively and to make necessary changes. In contrast, Invisalign typically necessitates fewer in-office visits, as aligners are changed at home. Check-ups are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and ensure the treatment is on track.
Aligned teeth improve your self-esteem and can help you create lasting first impressions. When deciding between Invisalign or traditional metal braces you should consider your budget, your aesthetic considerations, and the severity of your condition.
Invisalign’s clear aligners offer a discreet treatment option, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a more aesthetically pleasing solution. Additionally, Invisalign’s removable nature allows for easier oral hygiene maintenance, as aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and dental issues.
Are you considering Invisalign for a more discreet and comfortable teeth straightening option? At Eriks Dental Group South, we specialize in providing quality Invisalign treatments that offer you a beautiful smile. Our professional dental team will work closely with you to determine the best course of action for your unique needs and guide you through every step of your Invisalign journey.
Schedule an appointment at our Fort Lauderdale dental office by making an appointment online or giving us a call at 954-463-5051 and let us help you reclaim your smile.
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