Young woman with braces

If you have been thinking about your options for correcting the spacing of your teeth, we can help explore the differences between traditional braces and treatment with Invisalign therapy. Advancements in orthodontic technology mean you can select from a variety of different treatments that fit your level of malocclusion and lifestyle best. Each service has the same goal of bringing your smile into a more uniform position, but they go about achieving this goal rather differently. For adolescent patients, we often recommend wearing braces as your jaw is more malleable than an adult’s. This means completing your straightening treatment in less time than an older person. For others, or those with a milder case of crooked teeth, we could suggest Invisalign treatment with clear aligners. These BPA-free trays offer the additional benefit of being removable, allowing you to clean your smile more easily throughout treatment.

At your Shirley, NY, orthodontist, and pediatric dentist, we help straighten smiles to bring out the best in our patients. We combine an eye for esthetics with the important health benefits of a smile that is easier to clean. Straightening your teeth can also prevent damage that comes from the physical wear and tear of an unaligned bite. When you understand the differences between traditional orthodontics and clear aligner therapy, you may make your decision more easily.

How Dental Misalignment Harms Smiles

While straightening your smile boosts your smile’s appearance, the benefits for your oral health can be even greater. When your bite meets unevenly, its pressure causes certain teeth to wear prematurely. As you lose your enamel, your teeth appear more yellow, and gnarled, and you are at higher risk for decay and infection. Because teeth may crowd together, bacteria can gather in between places you cannot access with your brush or floss. To preserve your smile, pursue a straighter smile!

Choosing Traditional Braces

Placing bracket-and-wire metal braces offers unparalleled strength for straightening your teeth. We attach a series of brackets to each tooth and thread an archwire that allows us to adjust tension to pull your teeth into position. As you attend checkups, we offer a precise review of your smile’s development, bringing it closer to the desired outcome with each month.

Selecting Invisalign

If you are hesitant about the appearance of traditional braces, Invisalign offers a translucent alternative. This means you can improve your appearance without paying attention to yourself over your months of treatment. Because clear aligners are removable, you can have an easier time brushing and flossing compared to braces as well.

Talk To Your Shirley, NY, Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist About Orthodontic Solutions For Straighter Smiles

To find out more about wearing braces or other orthodontic alternatives, contact Shirley Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Shirley, NY, by calling (631) 399-1600.