Both Invisalign and traditional orthodontics are designed to straighten teeth to improve your bite alignment and promote optimal levels of oral health. Metal braces have been in use for decades and have helped millions get straighter, healthier smiles. Today, a growing number of patients in Pittsburgh are discovering that Invisalign can help them reach the same results.
The best way to determine which option is right to straighten your teeth is to speak with our Pittsburgh dentists in person. Please call 412-487-6910 today to schedule an Invisalign consultation.
Better Bites for Better Health
While many people want straighter teeth because they feel self-conscious about their smile, having a properly aligned bite offers great health advantages in addition to the aesthetic benefits. Invisalign and braces can both be used to prevent problems like uneven tooth wear, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and periodontal disease. Both traditional orthodontics and Invisalign can treat:
- Spaced teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Overbite
For more complex alignment issues such as rotated canines or teeth that need to move vertically, braces may be necessary. If you have existing bridgework or problems with back teeth, Invisalign may not be the right choice for you either.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, many adults and older teens look to Invisalign as the clear choice. When in place, they are nearly invisible, and most other people won’t even realize you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. For adults using Invisalign, the BPA free plastic aligners won’t interfere with your self esteem or keep you from making the best impression in your professional life.
Braces are available that use clear plastic brackets and white coated wires to make them far less visible. Many teens decide instead to make a fashion statement with their braces by going for bright colors.
Comfort
Moving your teeth is not the easiest thing to do, and there will always be some discomfort during this process. With metal braces, there are brackets on each tooth that can irritate your lips and gums. Some parts feel sharp and can cause calluses or sores to form. Your whole mouth can feel tender following visits for adjustments or tightening.
Invisalign aligners don’t have any sharp corners to irritate your mouth or gums, but they do take some getting used to. For the first few weeks you’ll probably notice the aligners a lot, but over time you might forget you’re wearing them until it’s time to take them out to eat. You may have more discomfort in the first day or two after starting the next set of aligners.
Maintenance
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign is that you can brush and floss normally throughout your treatment. While it is crucial that you brush after every time you eat before replacing your aligners, there are no brackets and wires for food particles to get stuck on. Unlike traditional braces, with Invisalign you can eat all the foods you normally enjoy. Just be sure to take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything but water.
During your treatment, regular dental visits are needed with either braces or Invisalign. However, follow up appointments for Invisalign are generally brief progress checks that don’t involve painful adjustments or tightening, and you won’t need them as often as with metal braces.
Treatment time
Another great advantage to Invisalign is that it is often faster than braces. On average, it takes about a year to straighten teeth with Invisalign and about two years with braces. In part, this is because braces are needed to treat more complex cases. It is important to note that if you aren’t diligent about keeping your aligners in place, you won’t progress with Invisalign, and the treatment can take much longer or may not work at all.
Cost
There are many factors to the total cost involved with both Invisalign and traditional orthodontics. Insurance may cover some of the treatment using either braces or Invisalign. The cost of treatment is also dependent on the complexity of your case and how long the treatment will take regardless of which method you use, but Invisalign is usually more expensive than braces. In some cases, Invisalign may be about the same cost as braces. It really depends on the individual circumstances.
After Treatment
To protect the investment of time and money that you have made in creating your beautiful, straight smile, you will need to wear a retainer no matter which option you choose. For the first few months, you should wear it all the time, but eventually you can wear it just while you are sleeping.
Traditional braces can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth once they are removed, especially if your oral hygiene routine isn’t excellent. This is yet another problem you won’t have to face with Invisalign.
If you’re ready to explore orthodontics options to deliver a straight, beautiful smile, please contact Dentonics using the form on this page or call 412-487-6910 today to schedule your Invisalign consultation. We serve patients in Pittsburgh, Allison Park, and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
