Have you finally decided to get your teeth straightened? You have much to look forward to! Not only will you enjoy a more attractive smile, but you may also experience numerous oral health benefits. However, after you decide to correct your dental misalignment, you still have an important decision to make: How will you straighten your teeth? Invisalign in the Capital District is a popular option, but is it right for you? Let’s discuss how it compares with other orthodontic options.
Invisalign: The Basics
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. As you graduate from one aligner to the next, your teeth will get closer and closer to their ideal positions. Many people choose Invisalign because it is discreet and the aligners are removable, which means that you will not have to deal with the embarrassment of metal braces nor the inconvenience of dietary restrictions.
Other Clear Aligners
Of course, Invisalign is not the only product of its kind on the market. Other clear aligner treatments from qualified dental professionals work in a similar manner and can produce excellent results. However, Invisalign is the only system to use SmartTrack material, rather than generic plastic. SmartTrack material ensures more precise, controlled tooth movements.
You might come across advertisements for mail-order clear aligner systems. It is very unwise to use them because they do not come with the continual support and expertise of a local dentist. They often end up damaging teeth and leading to the need for extensive corrective treatment.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth and wires that connect the brackets. There is no doubt that traditional metal braces are effective. However, they are much more noticeable than Invisalign, and they require patients to adhere to certain dietary restrictions. They may also make it challenging to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. With that being said, however, traditional braces are often the best orthodontic treatment for children and for people who worry that they might not wear their Invisalign aligners as much as they should.
Six Month Smiles
Invisalign and the other treatments discussed above have both cosmetic and oral health benefits. Six Month Smiles, on the other hand, focuses primarily on aesthetics. It uses a system of clear brackets and wires to reposition teeth at the front of the mouth (the ones that are most visible when you smile). The average treatment time is just six months! Six Month Smiles might be a better option than Invisalign if your dental misalignment is fairly mild and your main goal is to improve the way your teeth look.
Still don’t know which orthodontic options is right for you? After your dentist examines your teeth and talks to you about your preferences, you can decide on the treatment that will put you on the path to a perfectly straight smile.
About the Author
Dr. Erin Page is a general dentist who has a strong focus on providing comprehensive, high-quality care to patients in our community. She and our team are able to provide a range of treatments, including Six Months Smiles and Invisalign (she has been an Invisalign Preferred Provider since 2013). To learn more about how the experts at Capital Smiles may be able to help you achieve straighter teeth, contact us at 518-374-0317.