Beautiful smiles are made just as often as they are born. Some individuals have teeth that are misaligned, gapped, overcrowded and otherwise imperfect. Dentists use orthodontics to correct bites, straighten teeth and improve alignment. They will work with their patients to determine the best course of treatment which may include braces, Invisalign or both.
Traditional braces include brackets that are cemented to the teeth. Wires attached to these brackets and to bands around the back teeth are adjusted slowly. Every adjustment puts pressure on teeth and pulls them back, which stimulates the bones to grow around the teeth in their new positions.
Invisalign aligners is a quite recent option in the field of orthodontics. An alternative to braces, Invisalign aligners uses a series of clear plastic mouth trays to move teeth gradually and push them into position. Your dentist will design a customized treatment plan at the beginning of treatment. A dental mold of your mouth will be taken, and a computerized model will be used to map out each change in order to create the set of aligners. Every two to three weeks, you will change your set of aligners, which will then gradually move your teeth comfortably into alignment.
Many individuals prefer Invisalign due to its discreet design. The clear plastic is basically invisible against your teeth, and it can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning. Conventional braces are bonded to your teeth and can only be removed by your dentist. Newer designs of braces can be made more subtle, however, with clear brackets, or patients can choose colorful rubber bands and brackets to make the process of wearing braces more enjoyable.
You will generally be advised to alter your diet in order to avoid damaging your braces. You will also need to clean your teeth and braces carefully after each meal in order to avoid having plaque build up around the wires and brackets. If teeth are not properly cleaned while braces are on, teeth can develop spots and discolorations as well as cavities. If you are wearing Invisalign, you will not need to change your diet. Simply remove your appliances when you eat or drink, and brush your teeth carefully before replacing your aligners.
Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and even painful in the beginning. The metal brackets can rub against the soft tissues of the mouth, however Invisalign is smooth and unlikely to create irritation. Both braces and Invisalign can be used to treat a number of orthodontic issues, including overbite, under bite, open bite, cross bite, crowded teeth, gapped teeth and misaligned teeth. However, some more serious misalignments may need treatment with traditional braces for a period.
Invisalign may not be right for every individual. It is best for those who are in their teens or older and for individuals who are willing and able to comply with their prescribed course of treatment. Those with extensive bridgework or dental veneers will need to discuss their treatment options with their dentists or orthodontists.
Visit BestNorthHollywoodDentist.com, NOHO Dental Group to learn more about braces and Invisalign aligners. Poneh Ghasri DDS, NOHO Invisalign dentist can help you determine which method works for you best.