Do you have crooked teeth but don’t know which orthodontic treatment to choose? Are you researching metal and clear braces but are unsure which one fits your needs? We can help. Here we will compare metal braces vs. Invisalign treatment in our Greenwood, IN dental office. Different patients benefit from Invisalign and traditional metal braces. We want to help educate our patients about their orthodontic options so they can find the right treatment for them.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces use thin metal wires and brackets to realign teeth. Patients need to visit their orthodontist regularly for them to replace their wires, adjust brackets, and change out their elastic. The elastic or rubber bands in braces increase the force applied to each tooth. Adjusting the wires or brackets can poke or irritate the cheek or gum tissue. Because dentists adhere braces brackets to each tooth, patients may experience some staining after their treatment. It takes time to remove stains from the middle of each tooth. The brackets and glue on each tooth can create a white spot after treatment.
Although braces come with disadvantages, we will recommend them over Invisalign if patients have moderate to severe orthodontic problems. Some patients with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or other bite problems may need more time to straighten their smile. Metal braces are the best option for patients who need to address larger orthodontic issues.
Invisalign in Greenwood, IN
Clear Invisalign aligners provide discreet treatment. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays that cover the upper and lower tooth arches. Patients wear each pair of aligners for two weeks. After two weeks, they switch out their aligners for a new pair which shifts their teeth into a slightly different position. Over time, Invisalign aligners create a straighter, more balanced smile.
Invisalign is a great option for teenagers and adults because there is some care that goes into treatment. The patient needs to clean their aligners to prevent bacteria buildup and staining. Additionally, patients can remove their aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. We do not recommend that patients wear Invisalign when eating or drinking anything other than water as this can damage their trays. Additionally, Invisalign treatment is typically much quicker than treatment with braces. The average treatment time with Invisalign is six to eighteen months.
Do you want to treat crooked, misaligned teeth? Contact our office for orthodontic treatment today. Call Dr. Benjamin Stevens and his team today at (317) 886-4512 or schedule your next dental visit on our website. Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment options and we will be happy to help. We are here to assist all of our patients through their oral health journey.