Ask Your Waco or Harker Heights Dentist: What’s the difference between Invisalign and Metal Braces?

Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that addresses irregularities in teeth, especially alignment and the way the top and bottom rows of teeth meet or fit together when your mouth is closed. Specialty trained dentists and orthodontists provide treatments to assist with the correction of crooked or misaligned teeth. The goal in each case is not only to achieve beautiful results that can provide you with a boost of confidence, but also to help you achieve the optimum level of health for your mouth and smile.

Adults and children who have all their adult teeth can be good candidates for orthodontics. The options and technology are always evolving in the dental industry. Now there are more orthodontic options than ever if you are interested in straightening your teeth! The pioneer in invisible braces is Invisalign. Here at Stonehaven Dental & Orthodontics in Waco and Harker Heights, we are happy to be your provider for either Invisalign or traditional braces.

Let’s talk a little about the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces, and which one may be right for you.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is a series of customized clear, removable and comfortable aligner trays that are practically invisible. So you can smile, eat the foods you enjoy and straighten your teeth at the same time. Invisalign aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology and have been proven to be safe and efficient for straightening teeth and improving your oral health. Every couple of weeks, you will be sent a new set of aligners to ensure progress is always being made. You will see your teeth move gradually week by week, until they have straightened to their final positions. About once every six weeks, you will have to come in for a visit to our dental office in Waco and Harker Heights to ensure that you are making the planned progress. Your total treatment time with Invisalign can range from nine to fifteen months, and the number of aligners worn during treatment is usually around 18-30. Both the duration of treatment and number of aligners will be customized to your case and your goals!

Are Traditional Metal or Clear Braces Right for Me?

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose from brackets that are clear or metallic! Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Clear or tooth-colored braces are made to be appealing. They use clear materials like ceramic and are less visible on your teeth as compared to traditional metal braces. These clear braces are a viable option for older patients who have cosmetic concerns, because they are visually less prominent than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign and clear or metal braces are all great options for helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Deciding the treatment type that is best for you is a personal decision you can make with your orthodontist or dentist specializing in orthodontics. Make an appointment with the dentist or orthodontist at Stonehaven Dental & Orthodontics in Waco and Harker Heights to discuss your options for orthodontic treatment. It is our goal to keep you smiling confidently!