Crooked teeth can be debilitating – both physically and emotionally. If your teeth don’t line up perfectly, it can be challenging to do things as simple as eating your favorite foods. Likewise, if your smile isn’t perfect, it can make you feel embarrassed and affect your self-esteem. It’s for these reasons that we help our patients get straighter teeth and happier smiles with our Invisalign aligners as a ‘Diamond’ (top 1%) provider of Invisalign!
Our Invisalign and braces treatment in Mint Hill and Waxhaw, NC are two options that can help you get the beautiful smile that you’ve always dreamt of. In this blog, our orthodontist in Waxhaw, NC, and Mint Hill will explain the ins and outs of Invisalign vs. braces and why they may be great treatments to help you on your journey toward better oral health!
Invisalign: What It Is, How It Works, and How Long It Takes
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners – some refer to them as clear braces – that fit directly over your teeth. They intend to straighten your teeth, just as braces do, but more comfortably and virtually invisibly. You must wear your aligners at all times to ensure that they work correctly, but they can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
You may be wondering, “How does Invisalign work?” Over time, as long as you are wearing your aligners regularly, your teeth will shift into their proper placement, and as they shift, you will need to occasionally visit your dentist to ensure your aligners are still working properly, ask questions as needed, and advance to another set of aligners if required.
Typically, patients get their desired results in about 12-18 months, but the amount of time you need to wear your aligners can vary based on the severity of your issues and other factors.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
There are many pros and cons of Invisalign, and you’ll need to do your research and decide for yourself which option is the best for you. However, here are some pros and cons of Invisalign to be aware of:
Pro: Clear Aligners Less Noticeable Than Traditional Braces
One of the major benefits of clear aligners for Invisalign is that they are much less noticeable than traditional braces. In fact, those who don’t already know that you wear Invisalign aligners may have no idea you’re even wearing them. This is a great option for people who are self-conscious about their appearance or want an inconspicuous teeth straightening solution.
Pro: An Easy Procedure
Another pro is that the Invisalign procedure could not be easier. You consult with your dentist, they formulate a treatment plan, and then you wait for your aligners to arrive. Once they arrive, you simply begin wearing them and occasionally check back in with your dentist so they can assess your progress. Quick and painless!
Pro: They Can Fix Most Orthodontic Issues
Many patients have asked us if Invisalign actually works. As a matter of fact, Invisalign can be used to fix most orthodontic issues, like teeth crowding, overbite, and underbite. However, it cannot be used to fix serious dental issues like severely crooked teeth that need to be moved significantly.
Con: Cost
There is no way to sugarcoat it – Invisalign can be expensive. However, many dentists offer financing options, and some insurance plans may cover part of your expenses. It is always worth checking with your dentist to see if they are able to help make Invisalign a reality.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces
Like Invisalign, there are also pros and cons of traditional braces. Some of the things to consider are:
Pro: Wider Variety of Color Options
Braces come in a wide variety of color options. If you’re a traditionalist, you may opt to use clear rubber bands. If you want to add a bit of fun and styling to your braces, you can customize your rubber band colors. The best part is that you can change your rubber band colors at each dental visit, so your braces will never look boring!
Pro: You Won’t Forget to Remove Them or Put Them Back In
Let’s face it – even if you have the best intentions, it can sometimes be hard to remember to do important things, like putting your Invisalign aligners back in after you have removed them. With braces, this isn’t an issue. You don’t ever remove them yourself, so you won’t forget to put them back in.
Con: Your Diet Must Be Modified
Another con of braces is that you can’t eat certain foods, even if they are your favorites. You need to steer clear of sticky, chewy foods, like gum, and even some crunchy snacks, like pretzels and popcorn. Eating the wrong foods can damage your brackets and set your teeth-straightening process back.
Con: Longer Appointments
Dental appointments for traditional braces can take a bit longer, as your dentist will need to assess your progress, tighten your wires, and change your bands.
Invisalign Treatment in Mint Hill and Waxhaw, NC
At Robinson Orthodontics, our orthodontist in Mint Hill offer both Invisalign and braces in Mint Hill and Waxhaw, NC, and we’d love to answer your questions regarding both treatments. Our experienced orthodontics’ team, led by Dr. Wesley Robinson, D.M.D., along with Dr. Kovach and Dr. Natha, can’t wait to meet you to discuss your treatment options. If you are unhappy with your smile, contact us or schedule an appointment today!
