If you’ve always been bothered by your less-than-perfect smile and want to straighten your teeth, you’ll be glad to know that you have a couple of different choices. For many decades the only option was traditional braces, but fortunately, that’s no longer the case!
Modern options like Invisalign in Metairie offer the same great results as braces – without the hassle of brackets and wires. It’s always worth it to do a bit of research before committing to treatment, so we’ll get you started by explaining the benefits of Invisalign and what you can expect from the procedure. Keep reading to learn more!
What Can You Expect From Invisalign?
Orthodontics straighten the teeth by applying pressure to each tooth over time. While braces rely on metal brackets to create this movement, Invisalign uses clear, plastic trays called aligners.
Clearly, (no pun intended) one of the biggest advantages of this option is that it’s invisible! Particularly if you have any big events or photographs coming up, you won’t have to worry about having “metal mouth.”
But the benefits don’t end there. Here are some other great perks of Invisalign:
- Less treatment time – The average length of time in Invisalign is only 12 months.
- Fewer visits – Instead of coming in monthly for adjustments, as you would with braces, you’ll only have to come in every six weeks to get new aligners and have your progress checked.
- Diet – You won’t have to avoid any of your favorite foods because you’ll be removing your trays prior to meals.
- Comfort – Without the irritation from metal brackets and wires, your cheeks, lips and gums will be much more comfortable for the duration of your treatment.
- Hygiene – It’s very difficult to effectively remove cavity-causing plaque and food debris when you have braces. With Invisalign, you can simply remove your trays before brushing and flossing. When you’re done, you’ll not only have a straight smile, but a healthy one too!
Invisalign is a wonderful option for a wide variety of patients. However, if your crowding is particularly severe, your dentist may recommend braces instead.
If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, your best bet is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign certified dentist in Metairie.
What Can You Expect From Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces typically take between 18-24 months to straighten the teeth. Once they’ve been put on, visits to the orthodontist’s office are required every four weeks to have them adjusted.
Despite the drawbacks, braces can be a good option for two types of patients:
- Children and teenagers – It’s not uncommon for young patients to struggle with keeping their Invisalign trays in for the recommended time each day. Braces remove any compliance issues so that treatment is completed on time.
- Severe crowding – As mentioned before, braces may also be the best choice for severe crowding or bite issues, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Now that you know more about your choices, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. You’ll be on your way to a beautiful, straight smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. James Nelson is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist who is also Invisalign certified. He’s seen firsthand the positive effects that a great smile has on his patient’s lives, and loves being able to offer them an invisible, convenient alternative to braces. If you have any questions, he can be reached through his website or at (504) 887-3311.