Straightening your smile is an investment for your appearance and oral health. With so many methods available to achieve this, it can be overwhelming to know which one is the best for you. Your Bellaire, TX, dentist offers traditional braces and Invisalign that can be used to address crooked and overcrowded teeth. In today’s blog, we will explore the differences between these options to help you understand what the best one may be for your needs.
Traditional Or Lingual Braces
When you think of orthodontic options, the first method that comes to mind may be braces. These use metal brackets and wire held in place with colorful bands to help adjust your teeth into proper placement. This traditional method is great for patients of all ages and a variety of alignment issues. Patients can start using braces around their pre-teen years and will wear them for about one to two years, depending on the severity of their misalignment. During this time, you will come in for adjustments every six to eight weeks.
While this method is helpful for many patients, they are highly visible for others and may not be preferred by adults looking to straighten their smiles. As an alternative, lingual braces can be used instead. The brackets and wires are placed behind your teeth and will not be visible to others. In general, this will take the same amount of time as the traditional method. Your orthodontist will be able to give you tips to maintain your oral hygiene properly with this type of braces.
Invisalign Offers A Discreet Alternative
Another method to discreetly align your smile is with Invisalign. This is a popular treatment option that utilizes clear trays to move your teeth into the correct place. Invisalign is a great method for adults with mild to moderate problems. This is reserved for teenage and adult instead of younger patients because it is largely self-led. You will be responsible for wearing your retainers for the majority of the day, taking them out only to eat or do your oral hygiene routine. Every few weeks, your orthodontist will instruct you on changing to the next tray.
To start your orthodontic treatment process, you will first need to have an appointment with your team. They will examine your smile and take X-rays to get a closer look at the misalignment problems you have. These X-rays and other images will be used to create a treatment plan. Your orthodontist may be able to help you choose which option may be best for your personal needs. If you were unable to go through this process as a child, it is never too late to straighten your smile. We offer orthodontic care for younger patients and adults.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Call Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at (713) 668-9119 to learn more about your orthodontic options today.