If you chose metal braces to straighten your teeth and you are not enjoying the process, you might be wondering if there are other options. Our CCOA Dentists have some good news, it is possible to switch to another orthodontic treatment like Invisalign.
Traditional Metal Braces
For our patients who are more concerned about function over style, metal braces can be an ideal orthodontic treatment option. Metal braces have seen many improvements over the years and are very effective at fixing complex misalignment issues, closing gaps, and aligning teeth.
Adults often think that the visibility of braces isn’t a big deal since we are no longer in high school. But sometimes it does end up becoming a factor in the decision.
Many adults weighing up the pros and cons of braces feel that they may be self-conscious wearing traditional metal braces. And the persistent irritation from brackets and wires can be just too much.
Invisalign® And Your Lifestyle
If you’re one of the people who has a really hard time adapting to braces, Invisalign might be a more ideal choice for you.
You don’t have to worry about everyone noticing your aligners–they aren’t as obvious as metal brackets and wires. You get to eat all the foods you want, and your oral hygiene is just ordinary brushing and flossing. And, of course, there’re no wires or brackets.
There are some inconveniences that come along with Invisalign, though, that you should be aware of. First, although you only have to brush and floss your teeth with Invisalign, you have to do it a lot more often. Every time you take your aligner out to eat or drink, you have to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in.
Considering The Options
If you are thinking of switching to Invisalign, there are several things to discuss with your dentist. First, Invisalign can’t do all the movements that traditional braces are designed to accomplish. If you want to switch to Invisalign, it’s best to get those unique visits out of the way first. In fact, this kind of switch works best if it’s planned from the start, but it can still be managed if we’re trying to switch in the middle of the process.
Next, consider the cost. It’s a lot more expensive to make the switch midway through than it is to do either from the beginning.
Finally, see if there are better ways for you to cope with the limitations of braces to make sure that there mightn’t be a way that you can deal with some of these nuisances after all and complete your treatment.