10 Mar Braces vs. Invisalign: Which is Right For You?
Our Medford, NJ orthodontist Dr. Euksuzian along with his dedicated staff is proud to offer a variety of treatment options for children and adults. Two of the most popular orthodontic treatment types we offer are regular braces and the Invisalign System. There are benefits and advantages associated with each of these treatment options, which can make determining which treatment is right for you difficult.
Here is an overview of both regular braces and Invisalign to help you decide which of the two types of treatment is right for you.
About Regular Fixed Braces
Although we offer different types of braces, stainless steel metal braces are the most common type of regular braces. These braces are made up of wires and brackets, designed to gradually move teeth to their ideal positions. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive than the metal braces used a few years ago. These braces are affixed to the teeth permanently for the duration of the treatment process.
Other types of braces we offer include gold and ceramic braces. Gold braces are fixed, stainless steel braces that are coated with 24 karat gold. Ceramic braces are made of a translucent or clear material and are popular among adults due to their aesthetic appeal.
Drawbacks Associated With Regular Braces
While wearing regular braces, there are certain types of foods that should be avoided because they can damage or break your braces. The types of food to avoid and steer clear of during treatment include:
- Hard
- Crunchy
- Sticky
- Gooey
When wearing regular braces you must also be very diligent in maintaining good oral hygiene. It is very important to keep your teeth and braces clean so that trapped food debris is swept away and plaque buildup around your braces is minimized and eliminated. This will ensure that your time spent in braces will run smoothly without having to worry about the development of tooth decay.
If you feel you can live with not being able to eat certain foods and snacks during treatment and are confident you can maintain excellent oral hygiene, you may be a good candidate for regular braces.
Facts About Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic removable aligners that will gently guide your teeth into their new position. With Invisalign, most people won’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment since the clear aligners are nearly invisible. If you want to improve your smile discreetly, Invisalign may be the ideal way to go about it!
Another advantage of wearing Invisalign is that you do not have to worry about eating certain foods that can damage or break your appliances. Instead, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods as you simply take the aligners out when eating and then just put them back in when done. Also, because the aligners are designed to be removed when brushing & flossing, you will be able to maintain good oral hygiene the entire time you’re in treatment.
Invisalign Requires 100% Patient Cooperation
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. This means that patients choosing this treatment option must be compliant with this requirement because otherwise, the treatment will not be effective. In fact, failing to wear the aligners as directed can result in the treatment being longer.
Contact Euksuzian Orthodontics In Medford, NJ
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us to find out which treatment type you are a candidate for, please call our office or send us a message via the contact form that is on our main website. We look forward to seeing you soon!