Having straight teeth means more than just having a beautiful smile. Crooked teeth can negatively affect oral functioning, such as overbite or underbite problems, poor alignment of teeth and jaw, and problems with chewing food properly.
If your teeth are uneven but you wish to have straight teeth, you have several options – including braces or Invisalign. While both work toward the same goal, your dentist will recommend the more appropriate option for you depending on your needs and preferences.
How Do Metal Braces Compare with Invisalign?
The difference between metal braces and Invisalign is how they work to achieve the goal of straightening your teeth. Generally, metal braces are recommended for patients with more complex dental issues or with a lower budget; Invisalign is best for patients who do not wish to wear metal braces.
Metal Braces
With traditional braces, metal brackets are first glued to each tooth. Metal wires are then utilized to help re-shape your teeth.
Metal braces are not removable like Invisalign clear aligners are, but this can be a good thing if you’re worried about possibly losing or misplacing them. If you choose metal braces, know that you will be wearing them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for at least two years.
Moreover, braces are also low-maintenance. The usual good oral-health habits of brushing and flossing and regular cleanings are usually all that’s needed to maintain them.
Every month your dentist will check your braces to verify the progress of your teeth alignment, and the dentist may also adjust the wires. After about two years, and upon removal of the metal braces, you may need to sleep with a retainer in order to maintain proper alignment of your teeth.
Invisalign
The purpose of Invisalign is to essentially straighten your teeth invisibly. The discreetness of the clear aligners makes this option the straightener of choice among adults.
Invisalign uses smooth, comfortable trays that are configured to your own teeth to gradually move them into proper alignment. One outstanding feature of Invisalign is that they are removable, which makes eating less of a painstaking task. You may clean them using the Invisalign cleaning system or by simply brushing and rinsing the trays.
Another huge benefit is the comfort factor. Whereas braces can feel tight and the brackets can create sores in your mouth, Invisalign uses no metal brackets or wiring.
In addition, Invisalign trays need to be replaced every two weeks. This treatment can be completed in as little as six months, barring any complex dental issues.
Invisalign Dentistry in Las Vegas
If you are an athlete, metal braces may not be suitable for you, because any forcible contact can damage your oral tissue. Conversely, if you have overbite issues or if you have dental bridges, you may not be suited for Invisalign. Ultimately, only a dentist can advise you what the most suitable option is for your teeth.
Dedicated Dental accepts same-day appointments for a wide range of dental issues and needs. Our team of cosmetic dentists welcomes you to our Henderson office.
If you are tired of looking at your crooked teeth in the mirror, we are here to help. Please call us at (702) 566-5509 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you!
