Orthodontics

Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is used to fix misaligned jaws, teeth crowding, spacing issues, and improper bites such as crossbite, overbite, and underbite. There are different types of orthodontic braces available, such as ceramic and lingual braces. However, metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are most commonly used.

What Are Metal Braces?

Traditional orthodontic treatment utilizes stainless steel wires, rubber bands, and brackets that are cemented or bonded to the teeth. The metal braces are fitted to the teeth for the duration of the treatment period, and over time, your dentist will tighten the wires to bring the teeth into the desired position.

Invisalign technology uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays, each shaped differently and designed to gently push the teeth into place.

What Is the Treatment Process?

To start the process, your dentist will use an intraoral scanner to take a scan of your teeth and jaws. The scans will be sent to the dental lab, where they will create a series of custom aligner trays. You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, after which you change them and start with a new set.

Your dentist will periodically assess the alignment of your teeth by taking scans and ordering a new set of trays.

Both orthodontic treatments aim to align the teeth and position them correctly. While Invisalign is suitable for minor issues, severe misalignment may require metal braces instead of clear aligners, as recommended by your dentist.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign technology and traditional metal braces provide a permanent solution for straightening teeth. While they are both equally effective, Invisalign has several benefits over traditional metal braces.

Invisalign Is Invisible in the Mouth

Most people prefer Invisalign treatment over metal braces because the aligners are virtually invisible in the mouth. This makes them an ideal solution for adults.

Avoid Uncomfortable Metal Wires

The metal wires in traditional braces also tend to rub against the inner cheeks causing discomfort. In contrast, Invisalign braces are made from a very soft plastic that sits comfortably in the mouth.

Lack of Dietary Restrictions

When you use metal braces, you are limited in what you can eat. You must avoid hard foods like nuts, crunchy vegetables, and hard candy, as this can damage the wires and cause the brackets to come loose. Chewy foods such as caramel, sticky candy, and gum can get caught in the braces and are difficult to remove. With Invisalign, you remove your aligner while eating. This means that you can eat whatever you like, with no restrictions.

Easy To Clean

Cleaning your aligners is easy; just remove them and rinse and brush with a soft brush at least twice a day. However, it is essential that you wear the aligner trays for at least 22 hours a day to get the expected results.