Invisalign vs BracesHaving an attractive, straight smile is understandably the goal of many of us. However, there are many things that can negatively impact both the appearance and the function of our teeth. Whenever one of our valued patients has any malocclusion (that is, teeth that do not align perfectly when your mouth is shut), we here at Senestraro Family Orthodontics may consider broaching the conversation about having orthodontic work completed. Two of the more popular options include either traditional braces or Invisalign clear dental aligners. To help you better determine which option may be best for you, let us go ahead and compare these two most popular choices. What Are Dental Braces?Historically, when patients decided to undergo orthodontic treatment for their malocclusion, they would typically opt to get traditional dental braces. While there are many benefits to choosing this treatment option, there are also a few downsides to it, as well. Some of the advantages to traditional dental braces is that they can be a good fit for a myriad of dental alignment issues, such as an overbite, open bite, and underbite. Unlike Invisalign, dental braces tend to be stronger, which means that they can address more serious bite issues. However, there are a few negative aspects of using conventional dental braces. For example, they can be quite visible, which can make our patients somewhat self-conscious. Furthermore, they do need to be worn 24 hours a day, as they are not removable, and they can also be a bit uncomfortable as you grow acclimated to wearing them. What Is Invisalign?For patients with a milder type of malocclusion, Invisalign clear aligners can be a good fit for them. Because the trays are transparent, it is less obvious that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients often report that Invisalign tends to be more comfortable, as well. They can also be removed for up to two hours per day. This means that you can remove them to eat, brush your teeth, or even have your picture taken. However, unlike traditional dental braces, Invisalign may not be as effective for more severe types of malocclusion. They are also newer technology, and while they are clinically demonstrated to be a viable treatment option, there may be some initial hesitation when considering this option. On the upside, the length of treatment tends to be shorter when compared to traditional dental braces, which means that you can enjoy your new smile much sooner. Which Is Best For You?Ultimately, the decision as to which treatment is best for you is a decision that needs to be finalized between yourself and our office. We provide Invisalign for adults and Invisalign for teens along with traditional braces for both as well. We are more than happy to walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can determine which one may be ideal for your unique dental needs. If you have been considering undergoing orthodontic treatment, our team of trained dental professionals here at Senestraro Family Orthodontics are ready to help guide you through this important decision. To learn more, or to set up an appointment with us, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (503) 228-1945 today. We look forward to hearing from you! |
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