Braces or Invisalign? : What are the differences? : Dentistry IL.com

Choosing the Right Method of Dental Alignment for You
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, it leaves a lasting impression and it can seriously affect self-esteem and the way a person feels about their appearance. Crooked or misaligned teeth, or teeth with gaps, can often ruin what would otherwise be a winning smile and make both children and adults feel less attractive and less confident. Fortunately, dental alignment is one of the easiest, most effective and most dramatic dental procedures you can undergo to improve your smile.

There are two different procedures used for dental alignment, traditional metal braces with bands and wires, and a newer technology called Invisalign® braces. Invisalign® braces are custom made, removable, clear plastic trays that fit on the teeth and apply pressure that gradually align the teeth.

Traditional Braces
TThe advantage to traditional braces is once they are put on that’s it, the patient can eat and drink and brush their teeth like normal and just replace the bands as necessary and go in for periodic adjustments. Invisalign® braces require some responsibility: they must be taken out to eat or drink, the teeth must always be brushed before putting them back in.

Traditional braces are still a fine option for teens and adults that don’t mind the appearance and want a less-expensive alternative to the Invisalign® braces. Most insurance plans will cover Invisalign® braces so be sure and check this out with your dentist to see if your plan covers them before you decide.

Traditional metal braces consist of a metal, plastic or ceramic bracket that is glued to the front of each tooth and are used to hold a metal wire in place. Rubber bands are used to apply pressure and as the teeth move and become aligned, the patient goes in for periodic adjustments to the wires. Traditional braces are affordable, low maintenance and do a beautiful job.

Appearance
The only drawback to traditional metal braces on the front of the teeth is the appearance.

Comfort Level
Traditional metal braces are generally painless but there may be periods of mild to moderate soreness as the teeth move, and especially right after adjustments. Even with small children, this generally is not a problem.

Maintenance
The only maintenance required with metal braces are replacing the rubber bands and going in for periodic adjustments. Patients should brush frequently to prevent any tooth decay or differences in color when the braces come off.

Invisalign® Braces
Invisalign® braces are the perfect course of treatment for older teens or adults because they are – invisible. Most older teens and adults don’t want to go with metal braces because they are so unattractive and mostly associated with children.

Invisalign® braces are hard, clear plastic, molded trays that fit over your teeth and are created from a computer generated image of what your teeth will look like at each stage of the alignment.

Each tray is designed to move specific teeth, starting from back to front, so you’ll change the trays every two weeks as the treatment progresses. Every six weeks you’ll visit the dentist to check on the progress and make sure everything is moving right.

As with metal braces you’ll wear a retainer after treatment but it will be a clear invisible Invisalign® retainer.

Appearance
The major advantage to Invisalign® braces is the fact that they are almost completely invisible and don’t really alter your appearance. No one will know you have them in.

Comfort Level
The comfort level with Invisalign® braces is much better than with metal braces, with only occasional mild soreness after new trays are first put in.

Maintenance
Invisalign® braces do require a bit of maintenance. You have to take them out when you eat and drink, you have to brush before you put them back in after you eat and drink, and you have to keep them clean and free of food or drink.

Edward M. Ruiz, D.D.S specializes in braces and Invisaligns, and we are here to help you decide which option is best for you.
"Invisalign®" is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.

Edward M. Ruiz, D.D.S is located just minutes from several Illinios locations and is proudly serving:
Homewood, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Orland Hills, Frankfort, Olympia Fields, Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Mokena, Glenwood, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Oak Forest, Lansing, Harvey, Highland, Hammond, Calumet City, and other nearby Chicagoland communities. Edward M. Ruiz, D.D.S
17901 Governors Hwy.
Suite 201A
Homewood, IL 60430
Phone: 708-798-8899
Email:

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