Have you always wished for a straighter smile? Do you have that one crooked tooth that bothers you when you look in a mirror? Or a large space between your front teeth? Maybe you have a child with teeth coming in with spaces between them and an overbite? An orthodontic consult with the doctors at Prairie Lakes Dental will be the first step to your beautiful new smile. Then comes the question: Which braces are the best for me, traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners?
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require routine tightening so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw. Metal braces are an option for all ages. It is possible to choose fun colored bands to “decorate” your braces.
Invisalign®
Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable aligners with customized tooth attachments. The Invisalign System uses aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move your teeth into the proper position. Tooth-colored attachments are used to control movements of individual teeth, while they also avoid moving teeth that are already in an ideal position. Patients work with the doctor to determine which what they want the final results of their smile to look like. The trays are cut to the shape of your individual teeth and are virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth. This system is available to most children and adult patients with routine orthodontic needs. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign System.
Malocclusions and Age Matter
Orthodontic treatment is not only used to improve the aesthetics of the smile; it also improves “bad bites” (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile. Crowding or spacing between your teeth also put your teeth at greater risk for gum disease and cavities because of the difficulty in keeping those areas clean. Straight teeth allow for better gum health and easier time flossing and brushing off plaque.
Traditional braces can be used on people of all ages, but most commonly are started at a young age as children’s mouths are growing. Invisalign can be used for adults or older children, as soon as their adult molars come in.
The doctors at Prairie Lakes Dental understand that you want to look your best and have a healthy, good looking smile that you feel great about. We are here to help you choose the best orthodontic options for you and your family, and we look forward to meeting you soon. At your free consultation, you will meet your doctor who will help determine which option is best for your teeth.
