You deserve the benefits of a straight, aligned smile. But do you have to get braces? What about “invisible braces” you’ve heard about? Call Orthodontic Alliances today at 219-809-6584 to schedule an appointment. Traditional braces are a great choice, but you can also get Invisalign clear aligners. Which is better for you? That depends on what you need from your orthodontic treatment.

Why You Need Orthodontic Treatment

There’s a big, obvious reason why you need to get your teeth aligned: It looks much better. But that’s not being shallow. How you look (and how you feel about that appearance) affects your confidence and self-esteem.

When you head out for a fancy dinner, you wear something really nice. If you wore a tank-top and cut-off shorts instead, you’d feel self-conscious and wouldn’t enjoy things as much. By getting orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign, you’re not just improving how you look — you’re improving your self-esteem.

But it’s more than just about the way you look. Misaligned teeth can lead to several health problems:

  • You could create irregularly worn spots on your teeth, making them weaker.
  • Food particles can get stuck in your teeth more easily, increasing your chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Your jaw could be misaligned as well, leading to jaw pain, earaches, and TMJ disorder.

That’s why you need to call Orthodontic Alliances today and schedule an orthodontic appointment. Getting a straight smile will help you look and feel better, but it can also improve your health. There are several orthodontic treatments you can choose from, but two of the most common are traditional braces and Invisalign.

What Are Traditional Braces?

When you think of orthodontics, you probably think of traditional braces. This treatment has been around for a long time, but that’s because it’s more affordable and works great.

You will get metal brackets attached to the front of your teeth. A metal wire connects these brackets. This is how your teeth and jaw are guided to where they are supposed to be. Every so often, you’ll visit one of our Indiana locations to have the wire tightened a bit. This moves your teeth slowly but surely, which also moves your jaw.

Traditional braces have a downside: metal. The metal brackets and wires tend to stand out in your smile. They can also catch on the inside of your mouth, cutting your inner cheek. Also, traditional braces normally take 2-3 years before they’re finished.

However, traditional braces are probably the most affordable orthodontic treatment out there. They’re also great for people who have significant problems such as a large overbite or teeth that are very out of place.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, and like traditional braces, it will reposition your teeth and jaw over time. But that’s where the similarities end.

Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of smooth plastic trays. You wear them over your teeth like mouthguards, only thinner and much more comfortable. Each tray is shaped slightly different than the one before it. By wearing them in the right order, your teeth and jaw are gently repositioned by the shape of the trays.

Invisalign has several benefits over traditional braces:

  • They are made from clear plastic, which makes them almost invisible when worn.
  • You can take them out at any time, including when it’s time to eat.
  • They won’t catch on the inside of your mouth.
  • They’re usually finished in about one year.

However, Invisalign is normally less affordable than traditional braces and is less helpful with severe cases.

Which Should You Get?

Before making any solid recommendations, our dentists will give your teeth and jaw a thorough exam. Then they’ll discuss all your orthodontic options with you.

That said, Invisalign is often the better choice. You still get your teeth and jaw realigned so your smile looks great and your health is better. The treatment is complete 1-2 years sooner, and they’re very hard to notice when worn. However, people who need a significant amount of orthodontic help might get better results with traditional braces.

Call us TODAY at 219-809-6584 and schedule your orthodontic appointment. You can also request an appointment online. After discussing your exam results with our dentists, you’ll work together to find the best orthodontic treatment for you.