Is Invisalign Better Than Braces? Everything You Should Know

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If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth in Wellington, FL, you may be wondering if you should go with traditional braces, or if you should choose Invisalign from South Shore Dentistry. Is Invisalign better than braces? And is it right for you? Find out now.

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What Is Invisalign? Understanding The Basics

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Invisalign is pretty simple to understand. It’s an alternative to traditional metal braces. Traditional braces use metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands to move your teeth. Over time, braces will straighten your smile and improve your bite.

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Invisalign does the same thing. But instead of metal braces, it uses a series of clear plastic “aligners.” These aligners look sort of like a retainer or a sports mouthguard. Each aligner is designed to place gentle pressure on your teeth and move them into the proper position, similar to braces.

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Each set of aligners is worn for 20-22 hours per day for about two weeks, until your teeth get used to their new position. Then, you switch to a new set of aligners, and the process begins again. Invisalign treatment usually takes a year or so, but this can vary depending on your own unique case.

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When Is Invisalign A Better Choice Than Braces?

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There are a few situations where Invisalign may be a better choice than braces. Invisalign may be a good option for you if:

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• Your smile doesn’t need too much adjustment – Invisalign is a highly effective way to resolve most minor to moderate orthodontic issues. In fact, it’s often faster than braces if you do not have severe problems with the alignment of your teeth or your bite.

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• You want to avoid dietary restrictions – One of the best things about Invisalign is that you don’t have to change your diet. You can continue eating your favorite foods. You can also remove your aligners to brush and floss, and even to do things like play sports or play certain musical instruments. This makes your treatment more convenient compared to braces.
  
  
• You’ll be diligent about wearing your aligners – Unlike braces, Invisalign can be removed. That’s a good thing, of course, but if you aren’t diligent about wearing your aligners, your treatment may be delayed. If you know you’ll do a good job at wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day or longer, Invisalign may be a good choice for you.
  
  
• You’d like to avoid changes to your appearance – Unfortunately, “adult braces” have a bit of a social stigma, since braces are often associated with teenagers. If you want to avoid adult braces or you just want a more subtle, invisible way to straighten your smile, Invisalign is a great choice.

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What Makes You A Good Candidate For Invisalign?

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First, your mouth must be healthy. To get Invisalign, your mouth must be free of gum disease, cavities, tooth infections, and other such issues. If you have any chronic, untreated oral issues, they must be treated and dealt with before Invisalign treatment can begin. Otherwise, you’d be putting your oral health at risk.

The other main requirement is that your orthodontic problems must not be too complex and extensive. Invisalign treatment is highly versatile, and can be used to treat most types of bite problems and crooked teeth. However, braces are more powerful and versatile, and may be a better option if you’re facing severe orthodontic challenges.

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Find Out If Invisalign In Wellington, FL Is Right For You – Contact Us Today!

Invisalign is a fantastic alternative to braces for most patients who are interested in orthodontic treatment in Wellington, FL. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, the best way to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with an experienced Invisalign dentist, like Dr. Daniel Krauss. Give us a call at (901) 833-2711 to schedule an appointment now, or contact us online if you have any other questions. We’re always accepting new patients in the area.