Choosing orthodontic treatment for yourself or your family is a great first step to improving oral health, but it can introduce a lot of questions that you may not quite know how to answer. After all, orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and not one you want to take lightly. You should have as much information as possible about everything the orthodontic process involves before taking the plunge, but you may not be sure where to start. Rhoads Orthodontics is here to help, with the answer to one of the most common questions we get from patients like you in Cranberry Township: “Are braces or Invisalign right for me?”
Our team is committed to helping you explore all the options available to you, and that begins during your free initial consultation. Your first visit will give us the chance to discuss any concerns you have about your smile, as well as:
- how orthodontic treatment can change your smile
- which treatment would be the best fit for your needs
- what payment options are available to you
During your consultation at our Cranberry Township office, we’ll also outline the differences between our most popular treatments: traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. We tend to use these options most frequently, and knowing a bit more about each will help you understand which one would suit your smile needs. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons below!
The basics of orthodontic treatment
Although they look very different, braces and aligners actually rely on the same basic principles to create your new smile. Both gently apply force to your teeth to move into more optimal positions, aligning your teeth and jaws to give you a fully functional smile that looks great and feels good, too.
Traditional braces have been around for hundreds of years in various forms, and have a proven track record of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. They’re inexpensive and extraordinarily reliable, and today’s braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever.
Invisalign is a more recent treatment method that has become increasingly popular over the last twenty years, especially with teen and adult patients. This new treatment is incredibly comfortable and flexible, and has recently caught up to the versatility and efficiency of brace technology to be appropriate for treating most smiles.
Braces and clear aligners are both excellent options for anyone interested in achieving a healthier smile, but there are some important differences between them.
What’s the deal with traditional braces?
Traditional braces are very efficient at correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues and can be especially useful in more severe or complex cases. Because every case is different and each patient responds in their own way, the treatment time will vary from person to person. However, the average patient we see here at Rhoads Orthodontics will usually spend anywhere from 18-36 months in braces.
Unlike Invisalign aligners, which are removable, braces are a fixed appliance. That means they can come with a bit of a learning curve! There are certain foods you’ll need to avoid throughout treatment since crunchy and chewy foods can damage the brackets and wires.
You’ll also need to make some adjustments to your dental hygiene routine to ensure you’re keeping your teeth, gums, and appliances nice and clean. It can be tricky learning to navigate around braces, particularly where flossing is concerned, but this is an essential part of the treatment process. Fortunately, there are a variety of accessories available to make cleaning easier!
Traditional metal braces from Rhoads Orthodontics are very adept at fixing a variety of oral issues. In fact, they can sometimes work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. You’ll probably notice your teeth starting to move into a straighter, healthier position in just a few months, which can be a real boost to your self-confidence!
So, what are the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and completely removable, making them our most popular alternative to braces by far. Invisalign’s SmartTrack material is smooth and tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces. And, when worn as directed by Dr. Rhoads, Invisalign aligners can be just as efficient as braces at correcting many of the most common orthodontic issues.
Just like braces, the total treatment time for Invisalign patients will vary from case to case, with an average of about 9-18 months. The number of aligners needed to straighten the teeth will also depend on your unique smile, as well as your level of compliance and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you’ll have an extra measure of freedom during treatment. They’re designed to be taken out before eating or drinking anything other than water and should also be removed before brushing and flossing.
Since you don’t wear your aligners during mealtimes, there are no food restrictions, something our Cranberry Township patients love. You can continue eating all your favorite snacks as long as you’re careful about brushing and flossing afterward, which makes the entire treatment process a bit easier to manage.
The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day and switched out every 1-2 weeks to be successful. Because they’re custom-designed to fit each patient’s unique needs, these frequent changes are necessary to keep up with the shifting of the teeth. Just like braces patients, you’ll be expected to attend follow-up visits with Dr. Rhoads every 6-8 weeks or so.
Skipping these appointments or missing your scheduled aligner changes can quickly undo any progress you’ve made, so you’ll want to make them a priority!
Find the right fit for your smile with Rhoads Orthodontics
When you get right down to it, metal braces and clear aligners are both amazing options for achieving an incredible smile. And when you trust your teeth to Rhoads Orthodontics, you can be sure that our expert team will only recommend the treatment they feel is best for your unique needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Our team is excited to get to know you and help you begin your smile journey. If you’re ready to take the first step towards the confident smile you deserve, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Rhoads!