Have you been thinking about improving your smile with orthodontic treatment? Thanks to exciting innovations in technology recently, there’s never been a better time to explore everything orthodontics can do for your oral health. Here at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics, we have more options than ever to help you achieve a beautiful smile, including traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Since both of these treatments are safe and effective, you may be wondering which one is best for your smile. We’re here to help!
When you schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Wedding or Dr. Thompson, you’ll be able to discuss your concerns and receive a complete oral evaluation. Once it’s complete, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan that is built around your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Our expert team will also outline everything that is included in the orthodontic process, including our treatment options. With that in mind, let’s look at the differences between braces and Invisalign! Keep reading below to learn which one could be the perfect fit for your smile.
Back to the basics: braces
The basic design of braces has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years. In fact, primitive versions of braces have even been found on ancient Egyptian mummies. Thankfully, they’ve come a long way since 2400 BC! Modern braces are more comfortable and effective than ever before, helping patients of all ages achieve a beautifully aligned smile and healthy bite.
Expert orthodontists like Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson are trained to shift your teeth safely and efficiently using traditional braces. Metal or clear brackets are attached to the front surface of your teeth, then connected by a flexible metal wire. These components are paired with elastic bands to carefully move each tooth into the correct position over time, a process that will be closely monitored by your doctor.
Our practice offers clear and metal braces to help you achieve long-lasting results you’ll love, even if your case is more complex. Braces use a variety of specialized methods to move even the most severely misaligned teeth, which makes them an excellent choice for difficult cases.
Because braces are bonded directly to your teeth, you’ll benefit from consistent movement. Unlike Invisalign, you’ll never have to keep up with wearing or switching out your aligners. Many patients enjoy not having to think about their braces after they’re put on! Keep in mind that compliance still matters, even with braces. That means maintaining a good dental hygiene routine, showing up for every follow-up visit, and seeing your dentist regularly.
Cost can be a significant concern for families seeking orthodontic treatment, and there’s no “one size fits all” answer for how much this investment will be. It’s dependent on several factors, including the type of appliance being used and the complexity of the condition being treated. However, traditional braces tend to be a very economical option for families on a budget.
Back to the basics: Invisalign
Wedding Thompson Orthodontics is the leading Invisalign provider in western Kentucky and the first orthodontist in Daviess County to earn the designation of Invisalign Gold Plus Provider. You could say we love this clear aligner system! Invisalign revolutionized the orthodontic industry about 20 years ago, allowing orthodontists to achieve straighter teeth and a healthier smile without any brackets, bands, or wires. If you’re looking for a flexible treatment option with a nearly invisible appearance, Invisalign could be the perfect solution for your smile!
Invisalign aligners are made of SmartTrack™ material, a multilayer polyurethane plastic resin that’s specifically designed to align the teeth. This material is safe and very effective for achieving precise tooth movements. Each aligner is custom-designed by your orthodontist to fit snugly around your teeth and address your specific smile needs. These trays are custom-designed to fit seamlessly against your teeth, and the smooth material means there’s nothing to cause discomfort to your mouth.
Because the aligners are removable, patient compliance is non-negotiable. For the system to be successful, you’ll need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day throughout the treatment process. You’ll also be responsible for switching each aligner out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. This is what allows them to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. Failure to follow these guidelines can increase treatment times and lead to subpar results.
While this removability comes with a bit of extra responsibility, there are also lots of benefits! Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed during mealtimes, so there are none of the food restrictions braces patients have. You can continue to eat all your favorite foods as long as you promptly brush your teeth, rinse your aligners, and put them back in when you’re done.
This also makes it easy to maintain your oral health. Brackets and wires can trap bacteria, causing a build-up of plaque and increasing the chances of tooth decay. Invisalign aligners are simply removed before brushing and flossing as normal! Cleaning them is simple, too—you can scrub them gently with a toothbrush or soak them in a cleaning solution to keep them looking good and lasting until it’s time for the next in the series.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Every case is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. Since the Invisalign system produces an all-around force on the teeth instead of the individual tooth movement achieved with braces, the aligners can sometimes straighten teeth more quickly. Invisalign patients often complete treatment in anywhere from 6-18 months on average, while those in braces will generally require at least 12 months of treatment to achieve the desired results.
These estimates are just that—estimates! Whatever appliance you decide on, Dr. Wedding and Dr. Thompson will be able to determine the predicted length of treatment and let you know what that is before you get started. Whether you’re in braces or Invisalign aligners, keep in mind that your compliance will help keep things on track and on your way to a confident smile!
Find the best treatment for your smile at Wedding Thompson Orthodontics
Braces and Invisalign clear aligners can be excellent smile solutions. While there are pros and cons associated with each, they all offer precision movement of the teeth to improve your bite, align your smile, and increase your confidence!
If you’re in Owensboro and want to learn more about how orthodontics can transform your smile, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with our expert team! We’re here to help you take the first step toward the confident smile you deserve.