Once upon a time, traditional braces were the only choice for straightening your crooked teeth. In more recent years, Invisalign became a second option for those seeking an alternative to the clunky, unappealing metal brackets. If you need help deciding between the two, here's your complete guide from the experts at UNO DENTAL.
Why Do Crooked Teeth Need to Be Straightened?
Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause a host of problems. When your teeth don't allow you to chew or close your mouth correctly, it can lead to pain in your jaw and wear on your teeth. Crowded or misaligned teeth can make it harder to clean as well, leaving behind cavity-causing food and plaque when you brush, which can accelerate problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Better?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are fantastic and cost-effective options for perfecting your smile. Each method has pros and cons, and one may be better suited to you or your child's needs.
Braces
The idea of braces has been the same for decades, but the design and comfort have improved drastically in more recent years. Just a generation ago, your options for original braces were limited to metal. Now, you can choose from ceramic, metal, or lingual braces.
With all braces, brackets are affixed to your teeth with dental cement. These brackets are connected with a specially shaped metal wire to help bring your teeth into better alignment and position. If you're looking to correct your teeth with metal or ceramic braces, you can select rubber band colors to match your shoes or favorite outfit during regular visits to the orthodontist.
Lingual braces are a trendy choice for braces. They work as well and as efficiently as standard braces, but lingual braces sit on the inside of your teeth, reducing their visibility and allowing you to better clean the fronts of your teeth.
Invisalign
As their name indicates, Invisalign trays are virtually invisible to others. This discrete correction method is convenient, although it may not be suitable for people needing more serious correction.
Invisalign works similarly to braces but with clear trays that gently push your teeth together in place of metal brackets. You'll receive replacement trays every few weeks as your teeth shift.
If you want to eat or brush your teeth with Invisalign, you can pop off your trays and put them back on when you're done. San Francisco dentist Dr. Kandar instructs patients to wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours per day, removing them only to brush, floss, and eat.
Invisalign Treatment in San Francisco
At UNO DENTAL, Dr. Kandar prioritizes treating the whole person — not just their teeth. We understand the value of self-confidence and wanting to look your best, in addition to potential health problems from living with crooked teeth. If you're interested in either braces or Invisalign but aren't sure which is best, fill out our online contact form or give us a call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kandar, who can give you more information and recommend a treatment for you.