Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Cincinnati & West Chester, OH
 Your smile plays an important role in the first impressions that you make. Your teeth are a major component of your smile. Crooked teeth can significantly decrease the quality of your smile and can affect the impressions you leave. Traditionally, crooked teeth have been corrected with metal braces. While effective, they are quite obvious. Invisalign offers an alternative treatment, allowing you to straighten your teeth invisibly. At Nelson R. Diers Orthodontics, we can help you to determine which treatment is best for your specific needs.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have been in use for decades and have long been the only treatment available for correcting crooked teeth. Braces consist of three basic components.
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Brackets. Brackets are small pieces of metal that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth at the beginning of treatment.
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Bands. The bands are attached to the very back teeth. These bands anchor the wires in place.
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Wires. The wires span across your teeth, and are attached to each bracket with an elastic O-ring. |
There are several other components that may be used depending upon your specific situation that can be used to help align both your teeth and your jaws. These components include such things as rubber bands or springs.
How Do Braces Work?
The wires are responsible for the movement as well as the stabilization of your teeth. The wires put pressure on your teeth, which then puts pressure on the periodontal ligaments. This pressure causes the ligaments to widen, loosening the teeth and making them mobile. The wires then gradually guide your teeth into proper placement. Once there, the teeth are held in place while the ligaments and bone heal around them. It typically takes three months for new tissues to begin growing and a full year for the teeth to stabilize. Once treatment is complete, you are given a retainer to wear that will help you to maintain the results.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Rather than brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, rigid plastic aligners that are made from digital impressions of your mouth. These impressions are displayed on a computer monitor in 3D and enable us to provide you with a perfect fit. We are also able to see every step of your treatment from start to finish.
Because the aligners are clear, they disappear when placed over your teeth, which means no metal smile. They are also removable. They can be taken out to eat, meaning you can enjoy all of your favorite foods without restriction, and when you brush your teeth, making oral hygiene easier. While removable, they should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of aligners. Each set is slightly different and is made to be worn for two weeks before moving on to the next set. The rigid plastic is responsible for the movement of your teeth, working similarly to the wires of traditional braces and gradually moving your teeth into proper alignment. Treatment using Invisalign is typically shorter than traditional braces, taking between 9 to 15 months to complete. Once treatment is over, a retainer is provided to maintain your new smile.
Which is Right for Me?
Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional treatment. Along with being completely clear, they are also more comfortable than metal braces, and treatment is shorter. There are also no restrictions on what you can eat, and oral hygiene is easier. However, despite these benefits, Invisalign is not the ideal solution for everyone. Invisalign cannot fix severe alignment issues or alignment issues with your jaws. In cases such as these, traditional braces may be the best solution. Depending on your situation, it may be possible to start treatment with braces and finish with Invisalign. We can help you to determine the best course of action.
Correcting crooked teeth improves the appearance of your smile and can greatly increase your confidence.
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign Vs. traditional braces? Give us a call at (513) 829-4400. We are happy to help you learn more about your smile!
Or contact us online today! |
