Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces

Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, and Citrus Heights, California Invisalign

In the past, patients who needed orthodontic treatment only had one option: metal braces. This method of teeth straightening is still very effective and versatile, but as many patients know, it can pose several practical inconveniences – especially for adult patients who are busy with their professional lives.

Invisalign® is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional braces. Using a series of optically clear teeth aligners, Invisalign gradually pushes your teeth back into proper alignment, all without the need for brackets, bands, and wires.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

Invisalign comes with several notable advantages over traditional braces:

• The aligner can be removed when you need to eat, drink, brush, or floss
• The aligner is virtually invisible when worn
• The smooth plastic does not irritate your gums and soft tissues as much as metal braces
• It simplifies oral hygiene
• You can eat what you like without fear of damaging brackets and wires

All of these benefits make Invisalign a sought-after orthodontic treatment option among patients. However, Invisalign does come with its share of limitations, and not everyone will be an ideal candidate. If you have severe bite issues that require complex tooth movements, Invisalign may not be able to help you achieve the results you are looking for.

When Braces are a Better Option

The technology behind Invisalign is constantly evolving. Today, Invisalign can treat a wider range of cases than ever before. However, it still cannot predictably perform certain difficult tooth movements, such as:

• Vertical movements
• Uprighting root movements
• Rotating cylindrical teeth
• Changing the bite relationship of your back teeth

If your teeth require any of the above corrections, you may not be a candidate for Invisalign. However, this doesn’t mean you need to resign yourself to metal braces. Our cosmetic dentistry practice offers clear braces as yet another alternative orthodontic treatment option.

Clear braces, sometimes nicknamed as invisible braces, use transparent ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them less obvious than conventional braces. The bands are also either white or clear, further improving the look of your smile during treatment.

If you need to straighten your teeth, you shouldn’t have to resort to metal braces. Contact us today to schedule your personal orthodontic consultation with Sacramento cosmetic dentist Dr. David Miller, DDS. We can help you determine which treatment option is right for you.

Advanced Dental Concepts serves patients in the Roseville, Sacramento, Folsom, Rocklin, and Citrus Heights areas of California.