Now that you are ready to start your much-awaited journey to a beautiful smile, the first thing you need to understand is the options you have at your disposal. Advances in technology have given you two of these: traditional braces and Invisalign. The choice you make will depend on various factors.
At Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas, we can help determine the most effective treatment option for your needs. Led by Dr. Michael Ragan, our staff can work with you individually to assess the oral issues you are trying to correct. We can then recommend the best treatment plan to get you your best smile. To schedule your consultation, contact Ragan Orthodontics today.
Traditional Braces
Over the years, braces have become comfortable and easier to use than in the past. However, the mechanics of operation remain the same. Braces are made up of brackets attached to your teeth using bonding cement. They also use an archwire, which is a metal wire that runs from one bracket to another.
The wires make traditional braces exert a higher force than any other metal on the market. This makes it suitable for patients with extensive dental issues. For instance, if you have a significant bite problem or your teeth are extremely crooked, then traditional braces are probably the best option. Traditional braces push the teeth into position using higher sustained force.
Braces are better suited for children because are permanently attached to the teeth. Kids don’t have to worry about taking them out and putting them back in, risking loss or damage to the appliance. If you know that you are not vigilant when it comes to following the instructions of use, braces are ideal for you.
Invisalign
Advances in technology have led to development of teeth straightening techniques that give you a broad choice. Traditional braces give you a fixed option, but Invisalign technology allows you to make use of removable aligners.
Removable aligners are made of soft plastic, which allow you to enjoy various activities including proper cleaning. You can remove the aligners when eating, playing contact sports or when flossing. The removable aspect of Invisalign requires you to be vigilant when using them. This is because you might be tempted to remove the aligners more often than it is necessary, which might make them fail to work as required. You might also fail to wear them as long as recommended, which makes them ineffective. You need a lot of discipline to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day. For this reason, we recommend Invisalign to our older patients who can handle the responsibility.
Plastic aligners exert force, but not as much as metal brackets do. This is why Invisalign is ideal for minor to moderate teeth alignment issues.
One of the problems of traditional braces is the stigma associated with the metal brackets. Adults and teenagers find it hard to wear metal brackets that are visible for the whole world to see. Invisalign gives you clear aligners that go unnoticed. So, if you are conscious about your looks and you wish to straighten your teeth inconspicuously, Invisalign could be the right choice for you.
Our staff will work with you to determine the best orthodontic treatment for your needs. We use imaging techniques, dental x-rays, and medical examinations to determine the severity of your oral issues, and can then make the most appropriate assessment.