Want to straighten your teeth but don’t know exactly which orthodontic solution is right for you? With so many options available, most people tend to choose between Invisalign or traditional metal braces. Offering the same great results, the two differ in many ways. Depending on your personal preferences, you may find that one proves more appealing than the other. In this article, we’ll take a look at key factors for Invisalign vs. braces in Ponte Vedra so you can make the right decision for your smile.
Straightening Your Smile with Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a great solution no matter how old you are. Used for decades to straighten crooked teeth and fix poorly aligned bites, they are proven safe and effective. Using a metal bracket and wire system that remains affixed to your teeth throughout the duration of treatment, they tend to be most popular among teens because of their affordability and easy customization (i.e., colorful elastics and rubber bands).
However, there are a few pitfalls that can come with metal braces, such as:
- Results can typically take 2-3 years to achieve
- Metal brackets can irritate the soft oral tissues of your mouth
- You are required to see your cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra frequently for follow-up appointments
- Increased soreness because of a wire adjustment or replacement
Realigning Your Bite with Invisalign
Unlike metal braces that use brackets and wires, Invisalign consists of clear aligners that are made of plastic and fit snugly against your teeth. Customized to fit your smile using SmartTrack material that offers a more predictable outcome, you will receive a series of aligners that you will be required to wear throughout treatment.
Invisalign works by wearing your aligners 20-22 hours a day. After 1-2 weeks of wear, you will be required to swap them out for the next set in the series. You will continue this same process until you are finished with all your trays.
Offering a more discreet and subtle method of treatment, Invisalign is popular among older, more mature teenagers as well as busy adults. Not to mention, they can produce much quicker results depending on the severity of your case.
Just like traditional braces, there are a few downfalls that can come with Invisalign, some of which include:
- They are removable, so you must be committed to the process of wearing them or potentially face a delay in treatment
- They can become damaged if exposed to hot water, so you’ll always need to make sure you’re cleaning them in lukewarm water
- They are never to be worn while eating, as the increased pressure from your bite can damage them
You can see that traditional metal braces and Invisalign are both great options and will help you achieve the same beautiful results; however, the details as to how you will achieve a straighter smile are vastly different. Before you make your decision, make sure to weigh your options and talk to a qualified professional who can help you decide.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Townsend earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida and his doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. As a dentist at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, he and his colleagues will work with you to determine how best to straighten your teeth and realign your smile. Offering Invisalign as a proven method of treatment, Dr. Townsend will go over the criteria to qualify for treatment as well as what you can expect should you choose clear aligners over traditional metal braces. If you are ready to do something about your crowded teeth or overbite, contact us at (904) 285-7711.