Comparing Invisalign and Traditional Braces

Once you decide to improve your smile with orthodontics, it’s a matter of learning which treatment works best for your lifestyle, budget, and dental problems. Two common methods of orthodontic treatment to choose between are traditional metal braces or clear Invisalign braces. Here is a comparison of some important factors about these types of braces to help you decide which might be right for you.

Appearance
Traditional metal braces are very noticeable in your mouth. There is pretty much no chance others won’t notice that you’re wearing them. Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligner trays that are practically invisible. One reason that Invisalign is very popular with adults is the fact that they are not noticeable.

Comfort
The wires and brackets of metal braces may irritate your mouth, so some patients find them uncomfortable. Invisalign trays are made of smooth plastic that rarely causes any discomfort for patients.

Convenience
One well-known fact about traditional braces is that it is hard to keep them clean. Food can easily become stuck in the wires, and brushing and flossing can be difficult. Also, there are a number of foods that you should avoid eating while wearing metal braces because the brackets can break. On the other hand, removable Invisalign trays allow you to brush and floss normally. Since you don’t wear the trays while eating, there are no diet restrictions.

Effectiveness
Although they may not be as attractive or comfortable, traditional braces do a great job of aligning your teeth. They correct teeth that are rotated or crooked, as well as vertically misaligned teeth. They can effectively move teeth to improve your bite and jaw alignment. Invisalign usually has the same outcome as treatment with traditional braces, except in cases of certain problems that aligning trays cannot correct. Invisalign works well on horizontally misaligned teeth, but not as effectively on severely overcrowded or rotated teeth or teeth of varying heights.

Our orthodontists office in Burbank CA offers Invisalign options for teens and adults.

Invisalign Advantages

Unlike traditional methods of straightening your teeth, the innovative technology of Invisalign allows orthodontic patients to obtain a beautiful smile without all the hassles. Invisalign straightens your teeth and aligns your jaw with very little impact on your daily lifestyle. This type of orthodontic treatment offers advantages that other treatments cannot.


Appearance

One of the most obvious benefits of Invisalign is the fact that there are no wires or permanent appliances in your mouth. Instead, a series of removable clear aligners are worn over your teeth that are virtually invisible. You will not attract unwanted attention to your mouth when wearing Invisalign.


Comfort

The aligning trays are customized for your mouth, and progressively straighten your teeth without the need for unpleasant metal brackets and wires. Invisalign provides a relatively comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the irritation of traditional braces.


Removable

The fact that the aligners are removable is an appealing benefit. This allows you to remove them for important occasions like events or pictures. Keep in mind that the trays should be worn as much as your orthodontist advises for ideal treatment, but removing the appliances for certain occasions is possible.


No food restrictions

There are no restrictions about the kinds of food you may eat during treatment. You can still enjoy your favorite foods without risk of breaking wires or getting food particles lodged in your braces.


Oral care

Taking care of your teeth and gums is easy with Invisalign. You simply take out the aligners to brush and floss as usual. Also, there is no worry about food becoming caught in your braces. This helps alleviate the concerns of excessive tooth decay, bad breath, and other dental hygiene issues.

Invisalign dentist in Sherman Oaks, CA – schedule an appointment today with an Orthodontist for your Invisalign.

Invisalign for Grownups

Just because you’re an adult, it doesn’t mean that you have to continue through life being unhappy with your smile. Many grownups today are taking the plunge into orthodontic treatment, but not in the traditional way you might think. Invisalign is an option that many adults choose to straighten their teeth, but without impacting their appearance or self-esteem while undergoing treatment. Read on to see if Invisalign might be just what you need.

How does Invisalign work?
This method involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth. The removable aligners are worn for a total of one to two years, with your orthodontist monitoring your progress and determining when to change to a new aligner during the process. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth so that they align perfectly.

Will others be able to tell I’m doing it?
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign is that others don’t even have to know you’re wearing the aligners. The small invisible trays fit over the tops of your teeth, and are often hard to see. They also do not affect your ability to speak or eat. This means that you can continue your normal routine of business meetings and socializing without feeling embarrassed about a mouth full of braces. Many adults appreciate the idea that others do not even realize they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. You even have the option of removing the Invisalign trays for an important meeting or special event.

Is there special care required?
Another key benefit of Invisalign is that no special care is needed. You take the trays in and out of your mouth as desired, so you can brush your teeth normally. There are no issues with trying to clean your teeth around metal wires and brackets. Also, you are able to eat whatever you like because there is no danger of damaging your braces. These are all reasons that Invisalign is not just appealing to young people, but a fantastic solution for teeth straightening in adults.

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Invisalign: A Teen’s Braces Solution

There’s no denying it, teenagers put a lot of importance on looks. Teens want to look attractive, and often they don’t feel braces fit into that category. However, the straight teeth and beautiful smile achieved with braces does appeal to teens. That’s why many in this age group are excited about Invisalign, which improves their smile while looking good in the process. Why does Invisalign meet the needs of teens?

Invisible
Customized clear trays are snugly placed over the teeth, applying a small amount of pressure that concentrates on moving the teeth as desired. The trays are invisible, so they are not noticeable to others. Speech is not affected, so basically the teeth are being corrected in a stealth way.

Removable
Invisalign trays may be removed at any time, so they may be slipped out for special events such as prom or pictures. The devices should be worn as much as possible to achieve the full effect, but teens love the fact that they can be removed for important events.

Flexible
This product offers great flexibility, both in the ability to remove them as well as eating and maintenance. Patients can eat whenever and whatever they choose, without worrying about breaking brackets or parts that are attached to the teeth. Brushing and flossing is also easy because teens can simply take the trays out, perform hygiene tasks, and then put them back in.

Painless
Unlike traditional braces, there is no pain involved with Invisalign treatment. Nothing is tightened or adjusted; patients just wear their trays and then switch to another custom set of trays as directed by their dentist or orthodontist. Improvements occur while wearing the Invisalign trays, and teens don’t even realize it is happening.

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What can Invisalign do for my Oral Health?

Invisalign, a method of straightening teeth without traditional braces, involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth. Obviously, the goal is straight teeth and an aligned jaw. While achieving these goals, Invisalign provides some additional benefits. Let’s find out how Invisalign actually can improve your overall oral health.

Healthy gums
When your teeth are straight, they fit securely with your gums. This gives you the best chance of fighting off gum disease. Stress on your gums is decreased, as is redness and swelling that can accompany crowded or gapped teeth. By wearing the comfortable Invisalign aligners, your teeth gradually move into their ideal positions and your gums reap the benefits.

Easy cleaning
Because Invisalign retainers are removable, you avoid the hassles of trying to clean around the brackets and wires of traditional braces. It’s often difficult to remove plaque and food particles when braces are glued to your teeth, which is important in avoiding tooth decay. With Invisalign, brushing and flossing is accomplished normally and it’s easier to maintain a healthy mouth.

Better chewing and speech
Straight, correctly aligned teeth allow you to speak clearly, which sometimes can be affected by crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw. Chewing can also be more comfortable and effective when your upper and lower jaws are properly aligned.

Tooth structure
A correct bite and straight teeth play a part in healthy gums and protection of your tooth structure. Your jaw and teeth may experience added stress when the structures are out of alignment, causing pain and abnormal wear on your teeth.

Overall Health
Healthy teeth and gums, and an attractive smile, show that you take good care of yourself. Your self-confidence improves, and your general health can too. Invisalign can do more than just help you achieve a great smile.

Burbank Invisalign Orthodontist