Over 4 million people in North America are receiving orthodontic care in order to get straighter, healthier smiles. While traditional braces are definitely the most well-known orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is often offered as an alternative for adults and teenagers. Which one is best for you? Here are the different advantages to consider when choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces in Dallas.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
You’re likely familiar with the metal brackets and wires used in traditional braces. While this is often seen as a treatment for children, more and more adults have started using them as well.
When it comes to correcting complex alignment issues, braces are often more efficient than Invisalign; in fact, they may be the only viable option in particularly severe cases. While being unable to remove braces can be seen as an inconvenience, another way to look at it is that the success of the treatment relies more on the device than the patient; you won’t have to worry about sticking to a schedule or forgetting your appliance. Also, while braces are typically worn for 18 months to 3 years, you’ll often see small improvements within a short amount of time, which can help boost your self-esteem.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign employs a series of customized removable trays worn for at least 22 hours a day. Each aligner makes slight adjustments to your teeth in order to prepare for the next one.
The see-through aligners mean that people are much less likely to notice that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment; in fact, some celebrities have used Invisalign so that they could make adjustments even while all eyes were on them. Additionally, since the trays are removable, there’s no restrictions on your diet; you can eat and drink what you want without worrying about food getting stuck or damaging your appliance. The removability also makes it a lot easier to brush and floss normally. Finally, the average Invisalign treatment is between 6 and 18 months, so it can potentially be a faster solution for mild adjustments.
So Which is Best for Me?
While you may have a preference, there are various factors that can affect whether traditional braces or Invisalign in Dallas is the right choice. Invisalign can be attractive to many patients due to its aesthetic advantages and its removable nature, but for those prone to forgetting their aligners or taking them out too often, traditional braces might be the more practical choice. Additionally, the extent of corrections needed and the projected cost of treatment also need to be taken into account.
Be sure to ask your dentist plenty of questions and take note of the pros and cons of each decision. You deserve a great smile, so getting the right appliance is a crucial first step!
About the Practice
At Midtown Family Dentistry, Dr. Zach Kingsburg and Dr. Sara Fallahi combine their skills to provide a variety of dental services. Dr. Zach enjoys working with children while Dr. Sara likes to help patients dealing with dental anxieties. They’re proud to offer both traditional braces and Invisalign to improve patients’ smiles. To schedule an appointment, visit their website.