Effective Treatment Methods
The major question that many parents/guardians and teenagers ask during a consultation is “braces or Invisalign®?” While there are various differences between the two, both can be effective teeth straightening options
so long as the patient sticks to the treatment plan.
Braces
When people think of braces, many think of bulky metal wires with brackets that are noticeable and difficult to clean. However, braces are now much more sleek and smaller in design. They can take up less space and still
accomplish the same goal of shifting the teeth into alignment. Along with that, braces are also sturdier than any removable options. We offer various forms of braces that can blend in with surrounding teeth and
consist of different materials. Various types of braces we offer include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear braces
- Cosmetic braces
- Corrective braces
The type of braces we decide on will vary per the patient’s age, desire and level of maturity. For instance, clear braces remain see-through on the teeth and can display bits of food that can get trapped. However, the
benefit is that they are less noticeable than metal brackets so long as the patient cleans them properly.
We also offer tooth-colored braces that can blend in with the enamel, the white outer shell of the teeth people see when one smiles. The amount of time a patient needs to wear these braces for will also vary per the
patient’s age, teeth and other factors. We can review all of these options and help the patient decide which option will be most effective for the teen.
Invisalign®
Invisalign clear aligners are a series of plastic trays that fit snuggly over the upper and lower rows of teeth. We take a mold of the patient’s teeth and map out the projected movements necessary to shift the teeth
into the proper position using computer technology. We will then create a series of aligner trays the patient will change out every couple of weeks.
Benefits of Invisalign include:
- Clear aligner trays that are difficult to notice
- Discreet and effective way to straighten one’s teeth
- A customized series of trays for the patient’s teeth
- Easy to remove when eating or cleaning
- Less need for checkup appointments
- Ability to remove them during photos, sports, presentations and dates
Not all teenagers are candidates for Invisalign. They must remove the aligners to brush and floss before placing them back into their mouth. Nonetheless, teenagers may be able to wear the clear aligners so long as they
are responsible enough with them. Schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to learn more and see which treatment will work best for your child.