There’s something about a mouth full of beautiful, straight teeth. Correcting alignment issues improves the quality of your smile and increases your confidence. In addition to the visual improvements, straighter teeth are much easier to clean. When you’re able to brush and floss more effectively, you reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
If you’re looking to correct dental alignment issues, you may have found that you have a couple of options – braces or Invisalign. Not sure which to choose? We’re here to help.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have long been the go-to method of correcting dental alignment. Treatment involves the use of brackets, which your orthodontist bonds to the front surfaces of your teeth. They attach a wire to the brackets using elastic ligatures. The wire then works to push your teeth gradually to their optimal positions.
A Quick History of Braces
While braces have been around since ancient times, the orthodontics we know today started to improve in the 19th century. Even then, up until the 1970s, braces looked very different than they do now. Back then, they wrapped completely around the teeth. Starting in the 70s, orthodontists began bonding brackets to the fronts of the teeth. Today, we also have lingual braces, ceramic braces, and other similar options.
Braces Pros and Cons
Pros of braces include:
- They can fix a variety of orthodontic issues, including more complicated cases.
- They’re a reliable, effective treatment.
- They tend to be a more affordable option – many insurance plans even offer coverage for treatment.
- You don’t have to worry about losing them because they’re not removable.
Cons of braces include:
- They’re visible when you smile.
- They can be uncomfortable.
- You have to schedule monthly visits for adjustments.
- You can’t take them out, so eating and oral hygiene can be more challenging.
- Treatment often takes longer.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are a more modern alternative to traditional braces. With this treatment, you receive a series of thermoplastic aligners that shift your teeth gradually to their proper alignment. You change your aligners every two weeks until the end of your treatment time.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Pros of Las Vegas Invisalign include:
- The aligners are clear, making them much more discreet.
- You can remove the aligners, so you can eat what you love and brush your teeth normally.
- Treatment tends to be more comfortable.
- Treatment is generally shorter and requires fewer office visits.
Cons of Invisalign include:
- You could accidentally throw them away, lose them, or forget them somewhere.
- You need to clean them and brush your teeth every time you take them out, which can become tedious.
- Treatment is generally more expensive than traditional braces, and most insurance companies don’t cover it.
The Key Differences Between Braces and Invisalign
There are a few key differences between braces and Invisalign that could make or break your decision. For one, traditional braces are much more noticeable than Invisalign. They’re also fixed, whereas you can remove aligners. Invisalign treatment does cost more than braces, however, and your insurance company may not cover the cost.
No matter what option you choose, you need a qualified orthodontist like Dr. Hansen on your side. Dr. Hansen has years of experience with both braces and Invisalign, and he’s even a top 1% Invisalign provider. At Hansen Orthodontics, we can go over your options with you to help you find the best solution for your situation.
Las Vegas Braces or Invisalign? Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between braces and Invisalign, the decision is mainly yours. Weighing the pros and cons of each option, as well as the cost, treatment time, and other factors, can help make your choice easier. A qualified orthodontist like Dr. Hansen can also help you go over your options and ensure you’re getting the best treatment possible, no matter which treatment you choose.
For more information on Las Vegas Invisalign and braces treatment and to schedule your FREE consultation, contact Hansen Orthodontics today.