*UNDER CONSTRUCTION TODAY 1/29/2023*
The answer is, it depends!
Which appliance is best for you or your child depends in a large part on your desires, sensitivity and personality. Braces and clear aligner therapy can be used at any age. At your initial examination appointment, Dr. Gum will evaluate your teeth, facial features, and growth as well as listen to your concerns and preferences. She will discuss with you the best treatment method and timing of treatment to straighten your teeth. In all but a few instances, aligners and braces appliances can provide the same quality of result, in the same amount of time for the same cost.
Here is some information to help you start thinking about which appliance will be best for you!
- WHAT IS CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT?
Clear aligner treatment is a series of clear, removable custom-made appliances for you to wear over your teeth. The aligners are changed out for a new set every week. Gradually, your teeth shift into place. Dr. Gum designs and prescribes the treatment for each individual patient using the Invisalign brand clear aligner system.
Your clear aligners are worn 22 hours per day and changed every week. Dr. Gum and her staff will educate you, monitor your progress, and keep you on track. Parents are not required to micro-manage their teen’s compliance with the aligners.
If you lose an aligners, you will either go back to the previous aligner for a few day, or go forward to the next set and wear this set longer to make up for the lost set wear time.
- WHAT ARE BRACES?
Braces are small metal brackets attached to the teeth with a mouth-safe adhesive. A metal wire connects the braces to move the teeth into alignment. At each treatment visit, the wires will be adjusted or retied.
- WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF CLEAR ALIGNERS AND BRACES?
Sports- The teeth are protected by aligners while playing sports. Braces can increase the risk of injury to the teeth, lips and cheeks if a blow to the mouth occurs.
Of course, it is always best to wear a sports guard when playing contact sports!
Musical wind instruments- Sound production can readily be adapted to with either appliance. It may be necessary to clip soft protectors on the braces to avoid lip discomfort when playing your instrument while wearing braces.
Foods- With braces, there is a long list of foods you shouldn’t eat, and with clear aligners, there are no food restrictions.
Home care- With braces, you will be brushing three times each day for four minutes each brushing. With aligners you will brush approximately two minutes after each time you eat, except at school and restaurants, when you will replace the aligners after eating and brush when you get home. You will floss once per day, and use a fluoride mouthrinse with both braces and aligner treatment.
Other considerations-The biggest advantage of braces is that these appliances are glued onto your teeth. If removing and replacing the aligners will be a challenge for you, it may be a better choice for you to have braces. Some soreness will occur after the wires are adjusted or retied and can be expected to last a few days.
With clear aligners, no one needs to know you are straightening your teeth, removing a potential source of anxiety, and giving a boost to your self-confidence. There is little to no discomfort to the teeth while wearing aligners.
- WHAT DETERMINES HOW LONG TREATMENT TAKES?
The average clear aligner treatment time is about the same as with traditional braces. Treatment timing is determined by the severity of the condition, not by the method of treatment. Excellent cooperation will ensure treatment timing stays on track.
- HOW MUCH DOES TREATMENT COST?
Clear aligner treatment and traditional braces treatment cost the same. Check your dental insurance plan- orthodontic treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies, for traditional braces as well as clear aligners. The orthodontic treatment fee is spread over the course of treatment in monthly installments. The treatment fee includes retainers when treatment is completed, and observation visits for two years after treatment to ensure the maintenance of treatment results.
- HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT VISITING THE ORTHODONTIST?
Clear aligner treatment requires fewer and shorter appointments than traditional braces. There are no long wire adjustment appointments and fewer emergency appointments with aligner treatment. Braces appointments are usually scheduled at 4-8 weeks intervals and aligner appointment at 8-16 week intervals.
We will be happy to discuss this information further with you at a complimentary initial examination appointment.