There are certain advancements in the world of dentistry that greatly improve the treatment experience for dental patients. One of these recent innovations is Invisalign orthodontic treatment. More and more people are choosing to use Invisalign, rather than turning to conventional metal braces. Keep reading to learn more about how these treatments differ.
Materials: the primary difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is the materials that are used to move teeth. Traditional braces are comprised of metal brackets and wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, moves teeth with custom-fit aligners made of clear plastic resin.
Appearance: as you would imagine, conventional braces cover the patient’s natural teeth with metal, so they are quite obvious and unattractive. Invisalign aligners actually allow your smile to shine through as it works—the clear aligners practically disappear once in place.
Comfort: metal brackets and wires are pretty abrasive, and they tend to cut up the patient’s inner cheeks and oral tissues. Because Invisalign aligners are smooth, they are much less harmful and uncomfortable.
Cleanliness: many patients find it difficult to clean around metal brackets and wires, which is why traditional braces can become hotbeds for plaque production and cavities. Invisalign aligners are removable, so during treatment the patient is able to clean his or her smile normally by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse.
Daily Disruption: Invisalign aligners make it easy for patients to keep up with their regular activities and to eat and drink their favorite things. Metal braces are more cumbersome, and can require users to take special accommodations day to day.
Both Invisalign and metal braces can both straighten teeth, close gaps between teeth, and address bite misalignment (overbites, underbites, and crossbites). When you meet with our Santa Monica dental team we can help you choose the cosmetic treatment that best fits your unique needs.
The best way to get started is to schedule a personal consultation with our Santa Monica cosmetic dentists. Give our office a call, or use the Contact Us page on our website to reach out to our team!