Invisalign or Braces: Which Option Is Best For You?
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. These were words spoken by William Arthur Ward who shared many inspirational maxims throughout his lifetime, and this one resonates quite well when it comes to showing off a smile you love.
At South Gables Dental, we’re proud to serve our patients and help them achieve the smile they have always dreamed of. That’s why if you’re looking for top Invisalign services in Coral Gables, then South Gables Dental has what you’re looking for. The big question is, “Invisalign or braces?”In this post we’ll give some background on traditional dental braces and how they compare to Invisalign as well a bit about the process and what to expect.
What are traditional braces?
Braces can help treat a wide variety of issues including crooked teeth, a misaligned bite and jaw problems. Traditional dental braces are made of metal and include metal brackets on the teeth connected by a wire. These get adjusted and tightened every so often to continue to straighten teeth and address any other challenges they may be helping to solve. When compared to Invisalign, they are better suited for more complicated and complex cases and younger patients. The main types of braces are metal, ceramic braces and lingual braces. Whereas more traditional metal braces can trace its origins back to 1819, Invisalign is a fourth and bit more modern option that came into the market and was FDA approved in 1998.
What is Invisalign?
According to Invisalign.com, these clear braces have helped over 8 million patients achieve a smile they’ve always wanted. Unlike traditional metal braces, you’ll receive clear plastic aligners that have been customized by scanning your teeth digitally – skipping the gag-inducing teeth molds needed for traditional braces. Patients will typically receive 18-30 clear plastic aligners that resemble a mouthguard. Unlike traditional braces they can be removed and typically to eat and brush your teeth and are replaced every two weeks. Invisalign gets its name for the near invisible look of these more modern braces while working to align teeth. The aesthetic perk of Invisalign is why it’s a preferred option for many adults!
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign can help treat a number of dental concerns such as spaced teeth, crowded teeth, crossbite, overbites and underbites. While it is a great option for teenagers and adults, it is not meant for younger children.
The process will start by meeting with your dentist to get a look at what your new and improved smile would like like with Invisalign. Before getting started, your dentist will most likely recommend a prophylaxis dental cleaning prior to starting your Invisalign treatment. If it’s determined that Invisalign is a good treatment option for you, you will get fitted for aligners which is done by a 3D scanning process and skips the messy molds so familiar with traditional braces. Once your custom aligners are made, you’ll start wearing them for 20-22 hours a day, and receive new aligners every 1-2 weeks. Plus, you’ll have regularly scheduled check-ins every 6-8 weeks. Invisalign shouldn’t cause any interruption in your day to day activities, and they can be easily removed, for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
Is Invisalign worth it?
If you want to invest in your smile, and Invisalign is determined to be a good treatment plan by your dental professional then the answer is a resounding, yes. A smile that makes you want to do just that, smile, and helps you exude confidence is priceless. Invisalign is a great option as you mature and the results you had from your braces and retainer you had as a kid aren’t so obvious anymore. Invisalign can help give you a smile you love with a lot less of the hassle and a less intrusive look – one that is essentially invisible!
Invisalign: How long does it take?
Some patients start to see results in a couple of weeks and some complete the whole Invisalign process over six months. On average, Invisalign patients will wear the clear aligners for 12-18 months. When you have your Invisalign consultation with your trusted dentist, he or she will be able to better help guide and inform you as every patient varies. How long Invisalign takes to achieve the results you are looking for does depend on consistent and proper use of the aligners. Not wearing them routinely can cause delay results.
Get Invisalign in Coral Gables, Florida
We hope this post helped you decide the big debate of “Invisalign or braces.” If you are considering your options when it comes to straightening your teeth, look no further, as South Gables Dental is a top Coral Gables invisalign dentist.
Contact Dr. Lawrence Lesperance and the team at South Gables Dental for your Invisalign consultation today. Schedule online or call 305-665-1263.
