White, Greer, and Maggard Orthodontics loves to gift happy and healthy smiles for Christmas! One way to achieve healthy teeth this Christmas season is by receiving orthodontic treatment that can correct issues and prevent bigger issues from arising. For this reason, we want to touch on some of the more popular orthodontic treatments – Invisalign and traditional braces. Both are widely popular and there are great benefits to both. However, not everyone will be able to wear both options. So how do you know which is best for you?

Traditional Braces

Braces are the most common of corrective orthodontic work. They have a long history, back to when your parents might’ve needed orthodontic work. For this reason, braces can have a negative connotation associated with them. When you first hear braces, you probably think of uncomfortable, unattractive metal in your mouth – but today that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Today advanced technologies in orthodontic equipment and braces have made it possible for braces to be less noticeable, less painful, and you can spend less time wearing them.  

Brackets are smaller today than in years past. Some treatment options offer brackets to be placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front to be less noticeable. Additionally, brackets can be made clear in order to appear less noticeable. Braces can also be made out of metal, ceramic, or a hybrid of materials.

Braces treat a wide variety of dental problems such as crooked, crowded teeth, teeth that are protruding or have irregular spacing. As opposed to other dental treatments, traditional braces are considered for more serious dental cases. If you or your child has more serious dental problems, your orthodontist may recommend braces over Invisalign.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a widely popular alternative to traditional braces due to the attractiveness of being less noticeable than other orthodontic work like braces. Invisalign is essentially two aligners made of clear BPA-free plastic that forms to the shape of your teeth.

You receive a new set of Invisalign aligners about every 2 weeks to adjust to the movement of your teeth. For braces, you only go back to your orthodontist every 3-10 weeks. A minimum of 3 weeks is needed to see any real noticeable changes in teeth positioning. Because of this, braces may seem like a more flexible option because you don’t have to see your orthodontist as frequently in some cases.

In addition to being less noticeable, with Invisalign you have the option to remove the aligners when eating foods, especially foods that can be harmful to the aligners. Because of this, Invisalign has virtually no food restrictions, which can be another huge benefit to wearing Invisalign. Orthodontists recommend minimal removal and having Invisalign in at least 20 hours during the day for the best results with Invisalign.

While Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces, not everyone will be a candidate. Invisalign is recommended for less serious cases of crowded teeth, spacing issues, and bite issues. Additionally, Invisalign can be worn after a mild relapse happens after wearing braces. Talk to your Kentucky orthodontist about the possibility of your child or yourself receiving Invisalign as an alternative to braces.

At White, Greer, and Maggard Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options that include traditional braces and Invisalign. We offer a variety of other services as well if you need other types of orthodontic treatment done. Schedule an appointment with us and our trusted team of Kentucky orthodontists can help you decide which treatment solution is best! We have offices in Lexington, Kentucky and throughout the Commonwealth!