There are a lot of people who could use some help getting their teeth straightened. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, roughly 50-75% of them would stand to benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you’re one of these people, you can have a choice of which type of treatment would suit you. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Here are a couple of things to consider:
Braces
For many decades, this has been a common way of fixing people’s smiles, whether it is to straighten out crooked teeth or to correct an overbite. The process involves brackets being put on the front of your teeth and then wires being run through the brackets. The orthodontist will tighten the wires at certain intervals, usually every few weeks.
Invisalign Treatment
This involves having a series of clear retainers that you swap out every couple of weeks. The retainers are designed to slowly shift or turn your teeth into their proper position. You wear these retainers, also known as trays, for 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat and brush your teeth.
Pros
Both braces and Invisalign have their pros and cons. Braces are excellent for fixing teeth that may be at odd angles, something that Invisalign might not be able to handle. Invisalign is a lot more discreet, though, which would be a great option for anyone who might be self-conscious about braces. Invisalign treatments also require fewer dental or orthodontic appointments than those who wear braces.
Cons
The cons, on the other hand, can make or break your decision on which to use. When you have braces, there are certain foods you should avoid so your brackets, bands, and arch wires aren’t damaged. If you go through with an Invisalign treatment, you can take the trays out to eat, which means you can eat normally with no food restrictions. However, you run the risk of possibly forgetting the aligners afterward, which will hinder your treatment.
Braces are not for everyone, and Invisalign’s requirements don’t suit every lifestyle. If you are unsure which teeth alignment treatment will work best for you, call David Ross Orthodontics to discuss your options today!
