Posted on December 18, 2020
One-third of Americans whose incomes are below the poverty level reported their teeth and mouth appearance negatively affected how they interviewed for jobs. Crooked teeth can lower someone’s confidence and self-esteem. It can also impact how other people perceive us. And that’s why many people seek orthodontic treatments to realign their teeth and restore their smiles.
If you’re contemplating visiting a braces office, you may be in a dilemma on which treatment method to choose. Are braces or Invisalign the right option? Here are the factors that will help you settle for the orthodontic treatment that suits you best.
The type of teeth straightening required is a big determinant for choosing orthodontic treatment. Braces are more efficient when it comes to fixing complex dental problems, such as one tooth being higher than another. This method is also efficient if you want to rotate your teeth or you have issues with your back teeth.
On the other hand, Invisalign works best for moderate alignment issues such as:
While Invisalign can also be used to complement an initial orthodontic treatment for a person experiencing a relapse, it may restrict the formation of certain tooth movements.
Does your child dread regular visits to the braces office? You might want to consider Invisalign treatment for them. Your orthodontist only has to design suitable aligners for the child, and a 3D scan will customize the retainers. They will also guide you on the process of changing the retainers. You only visit your orthodontist for progress monitoring. If you choose braces, you’ll be required to visit a braces office after every four to six weeks for adjustments. Some kids might not be willing to undergo this level of frequency.
No matter which option you choose, you have to brush your teeth after every meal. With braces, brushing your teeth will help remove food particles or debris lodged in your wires or brackets. The presence of wires can make this process challenging unless you use flossing tools.
Flossing is a lot easier with Invisalign than braces. You brush your teeth and clean your aligners before you put them back on.
Months or years of orthodontic treatment may seem like an eternity without your favorite meals. You have to evaluate how much you’re ready to let go for the entire treatment period of braces or Invisalign.
With braces, eating certain foods may cause damage to your wires and brackets. You’ll then have to spend more time and money on additional appointments. Foods that you should avoid include:
Invisalign has no restrictions since you need to remove your aligners before you eat. With this option, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods.
The treatment time for braces lasts for anywhere between 18 months and three years with nonstop wear. The needs of the patient determine the exact time this treatment will take. The Invisalign treatment period can vary between six and 18 months, depending on the teeth issue. For complex teeth issues like crowding, the period may extend for up to two years.
Lee Orthodontics is the leading braces office for either orthodontic treatment in Abilene, TX. Dr. Lee and his team will assess your needs and help you decide on the better option between the two treatments. Contact us today for a free consultation.