Invisalign® or Traditional Braces: What’s Best For You?

Millions of American teens and adults have braces, and millions more have undergone orthodontic treatments to give them straighter smiles. Most people aren’t born with straight teeth, but the benefits of having aligned teeth range from cosmetic to functional.

Whether crooked teeth affect your bite or you’re embarrassed by their appearance, you might be wondering if traditional metal braces are the only way to have straight teeth. While traditional braces have long been the standard of orthodontic care, you no longer have to live with a mouth full of metal.

Invisalign® is a great option for teens and adults hoping to get a straight, beautiful smile without the hassle of metal braces. Beatriz Parra, DDS, and our team at Millennium Dental specialize in Invisalign treatment — and it’s time to find out if this state-of-the-art system is the right choice for you.

Invisalign is convenient

The Invisalign system straightens teeth with a series of customized clear aligners. You have the benefit of convenience and comfort when you choose Invisalign.

Before beginning treatment, Dr. Parra maps out your plan, gives you an estimated treatment time, and shows you a digital rendering of your goal smile.

Aligners are clear, comfortable plastic trays that are custom-made to fit your mouth. Since they’re clear, treatment is discreet — people may not even know you’re wearing them. As you go through treatment, you get a new set of clear aligners every few weeks.

Removing aligners makes oral hygiene easier. Instead of brushing and flossing around permanent metal braces, you can wash your aligners separately, then brush and floss your teeth like you do normally.

For best results, you need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. You should only take them out to eat and brush your teeth, but one of the benefits of choosing Invisalign is that you can remove them for a special event if you need to.

Invisalign is effective

Dr. Parra creates an Invisalign treatment plan just for you. Invisalign can correct all of the most common causes of crooked teeth, including crowding, gapping, and misalignments. Along with crooked teeth, it fixes bite problems like overbite, underbite, and more.

Each new set of aligners gently moves teeth into the correct alignment — often with less pain than traditional braces. All you need to do is wear your aligners regularly and attend your dentist appointments, and Invisalign does the rest.

It’s possible to start noticing results in just a few weeks after you start Invisalign. While each patient is different, most treatment plans are finished in just 12-18 months.

When to consider traditional braces

While Invisalign is a flexible, customizable system with the power to correct many common issues, it’s not for everyone. Dr. Parra performs a thorough exam and consultation before recommending treatment to ensure you get the best possible results.

Traditional braces are permanently fixed to your teeth, which means you can’t lose them. If you or your teen is likely to forget to wear the aligners or misplace them, braces could be the better option.

Having to deal with complex dental issues might be another reason to consider traditional braces. Since braces are permanent and powerful, they may be more effective in treating complex issues in a shorter amount of time.

If you’re seeking a straighter smile, trust your care to Dr. Parra and our team. Call our office in Redwood City, California, at 650-204-3548 or book your consultation online. You can also send a message to Dr. Parra and the team here on our website.