When Adults Need Braces
(Invisalign vs. Braces)
Dental braces aren’t just for kids and teens anymore. Adults can and are going through the process of straightening their teeth — in fact, about one-quarter of all orthodontics treatments are being performed on adults over 18.
Adult patients are reaping the many rewards of realigned teeth, including an easier brushing and flossing experience and better overall gum health. The best news about waiting till now to get dental braces is that you have more choices than you would have had in your youth.
Invisalign vs. dental braces: which is right for you? The difference between them is how they shift your teeth. Invisalign uses clear trays that are swapped out every few weeks, while braces use brackets with adjustable wires. Let’s compare the pros and cons.
The Truth About Invisalign
The most well-known name in clear braces, Invisalign was founded by orthodontists in 1997 and has since been worn by more than 9 million people.
During the first consultation, impressions and photos are taken of your teeth and sent to the company’s dental lab. Technicians use CAD/CAM technology to create the clear aligners, less than 1 millimeter in thickness. The aligners are switched out for slight variations every few weeks to incrementally move your teeth into place.
Treatment typically takes 20-30 aligner variants and 1-3 years of wear.
Research has shown that Invisalign’s accuracy has improved over the past decade, but it is still only recommended for minor dental correction.
For years, Today Dental has been an authorized provider and is trained on Invisalign products.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
| PROS 1. Clear and discreet 2. Removable 3. Comfortable 4. No food restrictions 5. Easier to brush teeth/maintain oral hygiene 6. Shorter treatment time 7. Fixes spacing between teeth, crowding, overbite, deep bite, underbite, open bite | CONS 1. Compliance: must wear trays for 22 per day 2. Risk of loss/damage when removing trays to eat 3. Must brush teeth every time you eat 4. Must avoid sugary drinks while wearing aligners 5. Can be more expensive 6. Can’t fix complex orthodontic issues |
Sources: Health.com, Consumer Affairs, Insider.com, Money.com
The Truth about Braces
Braces have come a long way in looks in recent years even though the technology has basically stayed the same.
A series of brackets are attached to the teeth, with arch wires and elastic ties connecting them. The brackets can be metal, ceramic, composite or a hybrid — much better than earlier options. You can choose from a variety of colors and even have the choice to wear them on the back of your teeth (called lingual braces).
Ceramic brackets can even be made in the same color as your teeth for a more pleasing appearance.
You need to keep regular appointments to replace bands and adjust the wires, after which you’ll experience some discomfort.
Treatment can take as little as 6 months to up to 2 years.
| PROS 1. Consistent results being affixed 24/7 2. Invisible options such as lingual braces (mounted to back of teeth) or ceramic braces with tooth-colored resin 3. Potentially less expensive 4. Better for complicated orthodontic cases | CONS 1. Not removable 2. Difficult to maintain oral hygiene/brushing is tricky 3. Still more visible than Invisalign 4. Dietary restrictions: no hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy foods 5. Pain/discomfort after adjustments 6. Irritation where mouth rubs against brackets 7. Regular visits for maintenance |
Source: Health.com, Consumer Affairs
Schedule an Appointment to Discuss Braces Today
So which one is the best option for you?
Here at Today Dental, we provide comprehensive dentistry and orthodontic treatment to adults and families throughout Fort Worth. Several members of our team are licensed orthodontists and have devoted hundreds of hours adding to their skillset.
First we will evaluate your teeth, jaws, bite and profile. We will take special X-rays of your head, face and jaws to check for specific measurements. Then we will take impressions of your teeth and jaws to see how they fit together.
From these diagnostics, we can determine the treatment plan for you.
