For decades, braces have proven to be an effective solution for straightening a person’s teeth and creating a beautiful smile. If you are a candidate for braces, you may be in the process of deciding which type of braces would work best for you. Two common types of braces are metal braces and Invisalign braces. You should consult with Dr. Marquis at San Francisco Dental Care to determine which type of braces would be best for you. Both types of braces have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before selecting.
Invisalign: The Pros and the Cons
The Invisalign braces come with many advantages that center around comfort and ease of use. Since Invisalign braces are clear, they are not as visible as metal braces. These braces can be removed easily so that you can brush your teeth and floss regularly. The Invisalign braces have comfortable edges that won’t irritate your mouth. Invisalign also uses a computer simulation of the alignment as it progresses from start to finish.
These types of braces also have a few disadvantages including cost and treatment limitations. For example, Invisalign may cost more than metal braces. Since they are removable, you may become tempted to take them out whenever they become inconvenient. If they are taken out too often, the treatment will not be as effective. Invisalign braces are also limited by the severity of the problems they fix. They are used to treat crowding, spacing, and overbites. If you have teeth that are being extracted or if you need to successfully close gaps between teeth, Invisalign may not be the recommended option.
Metal Braces: The Pros and the Cons
Metal braces have been used for decades to straighten teeth. They are sturdy metal brackets that come with a variety of colored bands. The advantages to metal braces include cost, durability, and time of treatment. Metal braces are less expensive than Invisalign braces. Finally, metal braces have shorter treatment times so you can experience faster results.
The disadvantages of metal braces include high visibility, discomfort, and poor oral hygiene. Metal braces stand out more than Invisalign braces, and can’t be removed. Because of the wires, metal braces can cause pain and sores in the mouth. Since the wires can’t be removed, practicing oral hygiene is more difficult. You also won’t be able to enjoy certain foods and may have difficulty eating in general.
Braces are a great way to improve your smile. Invisalign treats crowding, spacing, and overbites. Dr. Marquis offers Invisalign in her office. For more complicated orthodontic treatments, such as rotating or moving teeth, adjusting large overbite, vertical tooth movement, and correcting your bite, dentists usually recommend traditional braces. Call San Francisco Dental Office in San Francisco at 415-777-5115 to schedule your appointment today and find out which type of braces is best for you.