Committing to getting your teeth straightened is a big decision, and it’s worthwhile to consider all your options before your first appointment. Maybe the most important choice you can make is whether to get traditional wire braces or Invisalign. Both have appeals, and both are suited to different kinds of people. If you need some help deciding between the two, here’s a little bit of information that can make the choice easier.
Traditional Braces and Their Benefits
The braces you’re most likely familiar with are wire braces. These work by connecting a series of brackets together with a wire specially designed to pull them together. The wire is tightened periodically to keep up the tension, with the result being a straight smile.
Wire braces are incredibly simple; they just pull each tooth directly into place. That means that they’re a little more capable than Invisalign when it comes to dealing with specific problem teeth. If your tooth has rotated more than 20 degrees, or if they need to be extruded, wire braces are your only option. They also can only be removed by your orthodontist, so if you’re concerned about losing an Invisalign aligner, wire braces might be the better choice.
Invisalign Aligners and Their Benefits
Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re discreet, and they can be taken out if necessary. Your provider will take a 3-D scan of your teeth, then they’ll use sophisticated software to design a series of aligners that can get you to your ideal smile. You’ll be given plastic trays that fit securely to your teeth, which you’ll wear anywhere from 20-22 hours a day. The aligners will gently nudge your teeth into their proper position.
Invisalign is the top choice for people who want orthodontic treatment, but don’t want it to be obvious that they’re having work done. Since you take them out to eat you also won’t have to change your diet, which is another advantage over their wire counterparts. Finally, Invisalign treatments move all of your teeth in unison, so they tend to get results a little bit faster than the alternative.
Ultimately, you would need to consult a professional to figure out which treatment would be best for you. Some people’s oral health issues can’t be addressed by Invisalign, and some people lack the dexterity to properly take care of wire braces. Either way, your orthodontic treatment will give you a smile you can be proud of.
About Our Practice
At Struble Orthodontics, we want everyone who visits our office to feel like family. Our friendly dental staff will welcome you by name at each visit, and they’ll work with you one-on-one to ensure that your needs are being met. We understand that getting your teeth straightened can sometimes be uncomfortable, which is why we work hard to make every visit as quick and comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces, we can be reached at our website, or you can call our Bend location at (541) 848-6642.