Smiles are powerful ways to express oneself, and we can often tell what someone is thinking or feeling just by looking at their smile. Since being comfortable with one’s smile is such an important characteristic, people use different methods to improve their smile or solve any dental problems they may have. This blog will compare two of these methods: traditional braces and Invisalign. These are two different ways to improve your smile, depending on what you want and what you think is most important.
Our team at Chalet Dental Care can help with your dental needs. We offer cosmetic and wire-free orthodontic treatment options that allow you to obtain the healthy smile you want. Looking for help with your smile? Let our team guide you through the Invisalign treatment and how it can straighten teeth. Contact our dental team at Chalet Dental Care today to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners and solutions for issues like crowded teeth.
What are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are used to fix teeth that are either crowded or crooked, while in some cases, braces are used to improve jaw relationships and malocclusion. Wearing traditional braces is a great way to straighten your teeth. Braces can be made of ceramic or metal, while they have a material that keeps them bonded to your teeth.
Traditional braces are made of metal brackets bonded to your teeth. They are very effective and give results if the wearer pays attention to all the suggestions and recommendations of the orthodontist. Each metal bracket is individually connected to your teeth. The dentist controls the wire of the archwire and decides when it should be moved. Of course, when the teeth reach the desired position according to your wishes.
After you finish your treatment with traditional braces, you will need to keep retainers on overnight to keep your teeth in the desired position! Wearing your retainers as directed will help you prevent your teeth from shifting back to where they started.
Invisalign: How Does it Work?
Invisalign is a widely used method and is considered effective in many cases in solving the problems you may have with your teeth. From an aesthetic standpoint, it is a practical choice as it is almost invisible to others. The duration of an aligner is 1 to 2 weeks at a time. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks at a time. Typically, you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours a day. If this time is not respected, it will take longer to achieve the desired results. Of course, you do not have to wear your aligners when you eat or drink something.
Invisalign can work very well in moderate cases, such as the treatment of gaps or overcrowding of teeth. We offer complimentary exams that will show a simulation of your smile after the Invisalign treatment. Treatment length can vary for each patient depending on the goals of treatment and the type of each Invisalign case.
Invisalign Advantages Over Traditional Braces
The advantages of Invisalign are numerous. You can remove them when you eat or drink something, avoiding all the dietary restrictions associated with wearing traditional braces. For someone who doesn’t like the way they look with braces, Invisalign is a perfect choice. The visual benefits are high with Invisalign, and depending on the person, the structural effects can be equally as beneficial with both types.
With Invisalign trays, you can maintain good oral hygiene by removing them when you brush or floss your teeth, which can greatly impact some people. You can always take the aligners out when you’re taking pictures or at a big event where you’d rather not have them on. Just remember that you have to wear them for 22 hours a day.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Dental care starts at an early stage. Parents want beautiful smiles for their kids. But they assume that until their children have a full set of teeth, there is no need to see a dentist. Dental care involves more than just teeth; it is also about the inside of the mouth, lips, and gums. Each time you or your child visits an orthodontist, they will be checking the entire mouth in their preventative checks.
According to ADA, children should be taken to their first dental visit after the baby’s first tooth appears (between 6 to 12 months). If your child is a toddler, a dentist will look for decay and gently examine their teeth and gums. A dentist will also check your child for problems related to habits such as prolonged finger and thumb sucking, which can affect your child’s smile.
Orthodontic exams should happen no later than the age of 7. At this age, an orthodontist will check the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaw to help correct any problems such as gaps, crooked teeth, or overcrowding teeth. Early orthodontic treatment for children can eliminate the need for extensive treatment. An orthodontist may recommend a two-phase treatment option if early corrections are needed.
A two-phase treatment approach is advised for children who still have baby teeth. Phase one involves correcting tooth and jaw issues, such as protruding teeth until the permanent teeth set in. Phase two involves orthodontic treatment to shape your kid’s smile. At this point, your orthodontist will tell you which type of treatment (clear braces or traditional metal braces) will work best to make sure your child’s teeth work well, look good, and have a healthy bite.
After an initial examination, the dentist will be able to provide you with their expertise and share which type of treatment would be right for you.
Some of the biggest benefits of Invisalign are better appearance, the ability to remove them when you eat, better comfort, and less strain in general.
However, sometimes the fact that you can remove them can lead to a lack of discipline, making it harder to wear them as much as you should. This can affect your results greatly.
Contact Our Cosmetic Dentists in St. Paul, MN
If you have further questions about Invisalign braces and want to learn more about how wearing Invisalign can provide value to you, reach out to our team at Chalet Dental Care today. We can assess your situation and see if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. Contact us at (651) 413-9150 today for our services.