You may know of both traditional metal braces and Invisalign® as orthodontic options to straighten your teeth. But do you know the mechanical differences between the two? The obvious differences are the aesthetics of the devices, with metal braces being much more noticeable than the nearly unnoticeable Invisalign. However, there are other differences! Our specialist for Invisalign in Lancaster, PA, explains these distinctions below.
Traditional braces consist of brackets that are glued to the teeth, and a wire that is threaded through the brackets. The wire is gradually tightened to straighten the teeth over time. This method is very effective, but it can take much longer, from 18 months to 3 years, to straighten your teeth. This method also has more moving parts that can break. Traditional braces also limit what you can eat, like crunchy, sticky, and hard foods.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic trays given at intervals to straighten your teeth. You will get new trays every 1-2 weeks that gradually shift your teeth into your perfect smile. The timeline for your specific treatment will depend on what your orthodontist advises during your consultation. Generally, treatment last between 12 and 18 months.
Invisalign treatment is incredibly discreet. The clear plastic trays are nearly invisible and preserve your confidence. Additionally, treatment with Invisalign can be quicker than traditional braces, getting you to your ideal smile faster. On top of that, you can remove the trays throughout the day so you can continue to eat your favorite foods without worrying about breaking brackets or wires. The ability to take out the aligners also makes it much easier to brush and floss your teeth, avoiding cavities and tooth decay during the course of your treatment.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Spark Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office in Lancaster, PA, by clicking here or by calling 610.850.9674.
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