Should You Get Braces or Invisalign?

Whether through self-examination or from your dentist, you're getting the idea that you need braces. The thought of the bulkiness and unsightly appearance of braces terrifies you. They are also a long-term investment and you must go in regularly for adjustments.

Your dentist also mentions additional options: clear ceramic braces and Invisalign.

Invisalign sounds good. The teeth can get straightened without anyone ever really noticing.

Both braces and Invisalign have pros and cons. And the decision is not as cut and dry as you may think. The main factors that will influence your decision include how much you can afford, how disciplined you are, your lifestyle and your aesthetic preferences.

Braces:

Braces involve two thin, metal wires, one for the top jaw and the other for the upper jaw. Metal brackets wrapped by colorful bands are attached to the wire and sit on top of each tooth.

Pros:

� Most effective for severe bite issues and tooth spacing problems

� In the mouth 24/7

� Less expensive

� Less frequent follow-ups are required

� Will stay in the mouth regardless of lifestyle

Cons:

� Harder to clean between the wires and brackets

� Certain foods such as corn on the cob, gum and candy are off-limits

� Harder for teeth to get fully clean

� Unsightly appearance

� Can irritate and scratch parts of the inside of the mouth

� Long-term investment

Braces are great for kids and busy adults who need a permanent treatment so completely straighten their teeth. Since they are irremovable, they work great for every lifestyle. They are the best option for patients who require more aggressive teeth corrective treatment.

There are different kinds of braces now available including the clear ceramic braces. Braces can also be attached to the back of teeth instead for aesthetic purposes.

Invisalign

Pros:

� Comfortable and non-irritating

� Shorter treatment time

� Clear, invisible look

Cons:

� Must be removed before each meal

� The trays must be daily washed daily

� Most effective for minor orthodontic work

� More follow-up office visits

Invisalign is better for those who need minor orthodontic work and are very concerned with their teeth's appearance. This treatment is also better for those who are disciplined enough to remember to take the trays out and put them back in after eating. You will also have to clean the trays along with the teeth every day to keep them nice. And, it's important to realize that you will need frequent dentist check-ups to make sure everything is working correctly.

Retainers

Both braces and Invisalign, require wearers to continue the straightening and tooth correction process by wearing a retainer. Depending on your age and the extent by which your teeth needed correcting will determine how often and how long you must wear a retainer.

While the most common reason people get braces or Invisalign is for straight teeth, both orthodontic treatment methods can also relieve pain, eating and speech problems associated with a misaligned bite. Though braces and Invisalign help correct and reduce the pain of some jaw issues, they do not treat Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Be sure to speak with your dentist if you're unsure whether braces or Invisalign is the right treatment for your situation.



 By Anna Bird


Article Source: Should You Get Braces or Invisalign?