Tuckahoe, NY – When it comes to getting the smile of your dreams, there are more options than ever before to choose from for treatment. The most popular are traditional braces and Invisalign. These are both excellent choices for most patients, but they do have distinct differences. Dr. Sam Polan of Tuckahoe Orthodontics explains what patients should expect.
Braces:
- Appearance: Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires. Brackets are adhered to each tooth and then the wire is attached to each bracket using a tiny elastic tie. These elastics can be personalized in your favorite colors or changed out for the season. Today’s metal braces are sleeker and smaller than ever but are still noticeable. Traditional braces can also be clear or tooth-colored, making them less noticeable, however, because of their nature they will still be visible in the mouth.
- Comfort: There will be some discomfort associated with braces, especially in the days following having them placed and after an adjustment. The metal brackets and wires can also cause irritation to the inside of the cheeks, lips, and tongue. There is an adjustment period to get used to braces. Orthodontic wax can be used to cover any portion of the braces that irritate the inside of the mouth.
- Treatment time: Treatment time depends on many factors, including your age at treatment and the severity of your issue. Braces are the most effective for treating a wide range of malocclusions. Average treatment time ranges from 18 months to 3 years.
- Care: Patients need to be extra mindful of their oral care while in braces. The brackets and wires create nooks and crannies where food particles can get stuck. This makes it important to brush after every meal. Flossing can be more time consuming as patients need to thread the floss around brackets and under the wires. There are many tools to help with this, including interdental brushes, floss threaders, and Waterpiks.
- Dietary restrictions: Because the brackets are bonded directly to the teeth it is important to avoid foods that can damage the braces. Patients need to avoid foods that are too hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy.
- Effectiveness: Metal braces are still used today because they are the most efficient and effective option. They can treat even the most complicated cases. And because they are always on the teeth, they are always working.
- Cost: The cost of braces depends on if the patient chooses metal, ceramic, or clear, as well as the severity of the issue.
Invisalign:
- Appearance: One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the trays are made of a clear plastic that renders them almost invisible in the mouth. This makes it a popular choice for people looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option.
- Comfort: Trays are made of a smooth, BPA-free plastic so they are less likely to cause irritation to the inside of the mouth. However, they are placing pressure on the teeth so there will be some discomfort involved. This is most often when patients are moving from one aligner set to another.
- Treatment time: As with braces, exact treatment time depends on the severity of the malocclusion. However, Invisalign patients can often enjoy treatment times between 12 to 18 months.
- Care: Caring for your smile is a snap with Invisalign because the trays are removable. You’ll simply take them out and then brush and floss as usual. Always brush after eating before placing the aligners back in your mouth to avoid trapping food particles between the trays and your teeth. To ensure your smile stays healthy and bright you’ll also need to clean your aligner trays regularly. Your orthodontist can provide you with special cleaning crystals or you can gently brush the trays with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, anti-bacterial soap. Never use hot water on your aligners as this can warp the plastic, and do not use abrasive substances to clean the aligners to avoid scratching the plastic.
- Dietary restrictions: Your aligners are removable, so you should always remove them when eating or drinking anything other than plain water. This means you don’t need to make any changes to your diet while in treatment.
- Effectiveness: Invisalign is best for mild to moderate malocclusions, and for patients who are responsible. In order to be effective, Invisalign trays should be worn 22 hours a day. It is also important to wear your trays in the order they are provided and not to switch to a new set until directed. Each set of aligners is calibrated to achieve a certain movement, so it is crucial that they are worn in the proper order. Invisalign may not be an ideal treatment for younger patients or patients who may not be able to commit to proper wear.
- Cost: The cost of Invisalign is typically more than braces, however, in recent years the price has become more in line with traditional braces.
The decision to move forward with orthodontic treatment is your first step to a healthy, beautiful smile. But there are many factors that go into determining which treatment option is right for you. These include your orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. However, it is also important to consult with a well-trained orthodontist to determine which might be the best option to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Dr. Polan and his team at Tuckahoe Orthodontics are here for you. Call us to schedule your free consultation today.
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