ASHLAND — The options for creating your dream smile can be more confusing than ever.
Orthodontic specialists have 2 to 3 years of additional training beyond their dental degree and will provide you with the best treatment plan to design your smile. Thankfully, today you have clear, comfortable, and efficient methods for tooth alignment and bite correction.
So … what’s Invisalign anyway?
An alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign is a proprietary name for a series of clear aligners that move your teeth as mapped out by your doctor. The aligners are generally worn 22 hours per day and are changed every two weeks until your teeth are in their fancy, new positions! There are other clear aligner systems available, but Invisalign has been around the longest and many doctors are using it.
Invisalign seems easy, right!? Well, there are a few things to consider if your doctor recommends clear aligners for your new smile. First, clear aligners are most successful when used for mild to moderate tooth alignment problems. While they can be used to correct mild bite problems, in such cases you will need to wear rubber bands and have clear attachments bonded to your teeth to attempt to achieve a respectable result. Second, you will need to accept some lifestyle changes with this treatment. For example, you can only drink water when wearing the aligners, and you need to remove them to snack, drink coffee or even chew a piece of gum! Since the aligners need to be worn at least 22 hours per day, it doesn’t leave much time for that granola bar or fancy dinner out with friends. The main advantage to clear aligner treatment is they tend to be more comfortable, and they have some good oral hygiene advantages since you can take them out to brush and floss.
What about braces?
While metal brackets are still available, many orthodontists now use clear braces and aesthetic wires to comfortably move your teeth and develop your smile. Clear braces have improved since they were designed in the 80’s so that they don’t stain and are now smaller than many metal braces. Compared to clear aligners, the distinct advantage of braces is that the orthodontist is able to correct even the most crooked smiles and severe bite problems, giving you a superior result for the majority of cases. Also, you can eat and drink while wearing braces and your teeth are still moving!
Cost can vary significantly for these types of treatments, but many doctors offer similar fees for aligners and braces, depending on what is needed to correct the problem.
What should you do?
Ultimately, the outcome of your treatment is completely dependent on the skill level of the doctor and the clinical team, so do your research and find an orthodontist you are comfortable with. Oh…and, get excited… some orthodontic offices are actually fun to visit too!
Dr. Ben Gregg established Gregg Orthodontics in Ashland, Ohio, in 2008, with the mission to change lives while creating confidence, and building trusting relationships with each person he meets. His practice is focused on modern and aesthetic treatment options using clear braces and clear aligners to create amazing smiles for children and adults. For more information log on at www.GreggOrthodontics.com.
