Dental braces have always been the solution to correct teeth with overcrowding, spaces, overbites, crossbites, and underbites. Although the result is a straight smile, the road getting there isn’t very easy or painless.
Braces are more commonly made out of stainless steel, archwires, and brackets. Having these things in your mouth can be uncomfortable and bothersome, sometimes causing small abrasions on your cheeks and tongue. Food can get stuck in between them, plaque can build up, and you can forget about chewing gum while wearing them. Despite all of this, braces are very effective because they are in place 24 hours per day, continuously reshaping your teeth. Depending on your condition, braces are worn anywhere from 6 months to 6 years.
Invisalign offers an end to painful, traditional braces. A series of clear, removable teeth aligners are worn over your teeth. A different aligner is made for you to wear during each stage of use. You must wear your Invisalign aligner for 20-22 hours per day and only remove it when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Because they are removable, they are not continuously reshaping your teeth. Getting straight teeth depends on the patients consistency and commitment with wearing them. Unlike traditional braces, they can also be misplaced or lost. Treatment is usually under one year, but possibly longer if required.
Both options lead to your beautiful, new smile so decide which one is right for you.
