Do you have crooked teeth? Are you suffering from a crossbite, underbite, or overbite? If so, you have plenty of orthodontic treatment options to choose from. Often, patients will avoid pursuing their orthodontic treatment options because they do not want to undergo treatment with traditional metal braces. Modern dentistry has advanced to allow patients a new option for straightening their teeth and realigning their bite pattern: invisible braces. Learn why patients prefer invisible braces to traditional metal braces below:
Understanding Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces utilize brackets and wires that are firmly secured to your dental structures for the entire duration of your treatment plan. As a result, patients are unable to remove their metal braces until their orthodontic treatment plan is complete. It’s important to remember that orthodontic treatment of any kind can last for many months or even years. For patient with traditional metal braces, this means abiding by some lifestyle adjustments for an extended amount of time. Patients with traditional metal braces are encouraged to avoid eating any excessively crunchy or chewy foods, as these may cause damage to your orthodontic hardware and prolong your treatment plan. Additionally, patients with traditional metal braces must take extra oral hygiene precautions to ensure there is no food residue caught in the orthodontic hardware. To ensure your treatment plan progresses as planned, patients with traditional metal braces must regularly visit their orthodontist’s office for routine tightenings, in which the wires will be tightened to continually apply pressure to your teeth and encourage them to shift into a straighter position. If you are looking for a more discreet treatment option, or want to avoid spending too much time in the dental chair, invisible braces are a good alternative for you to consider.
Understanding Invisible Braces
Invisible braces, also known as clear braces, are used to discreetly straighten your smile and address bite misalignment concerns. Instead of using metallic brackets and wires, invisible braces utilize clear aligners, similar to retainers, which are worn over your teeth while in use. The aligners are removable, and patients are encouraged to remove them whenever they need to eat, drink, or brush their teeth. Invisible braces’ removability is a major benefit, allowing patients the options to remove their orthodontic appliance for special occasions like job interviews, weddings, or first dates. Additionally, no one will be able to tell you are undergoing treatment even while you have your aligners on. As long as you wear your invisible braces on average of 20-22 hours per day, your treatment plan will progress as planned and you can continue to enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about damaging any orthodontic hardware. Patients love invisible braces because they do not have to spend as much time in the dental chair as they would need to with traditional metal braces. Your dentist will provide you with all sets of your aligners at the beginning of your treatment plan and instruct you on when to change to a new set, (usually once every two weeks). This means you will spend less time at the dentist and have more time for after school and after work activities.
Invisible Braces in Boise, ID
If you are looking for invisible braces in Boise, ID, our dentists can provide you with a consultation to determine if this treatment option is right for you. Invisible braces are recommended for treating mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, while traditional metal braces may still be needed for severe cases. Find out if you are a candidate for invisible braces by scheduling an appointment with our Boise, ID dentists.