A surprisingly high percentage — 57% — of Americans are insecure about the appearance of their teeth. If you are looking to straighten your teeth and enhance your smile, your two main treatment options are braces and clear aligners.
Since many of our patients have questions about which option works better, your dentist in Methuen, MA, Dr. Shradha Sharma, offers this overview. Read on to learn about Invisalign cost factors, how traditional braces work, and other important facts about teeth straightening.
Invisalign continues to be an incredibly popular treatment option for correcting crooked teeth. Invisalign invented clear aligner technology, and the company continues to be a pioneer in the industry.
The clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn. Many adults enjoy the option of undergoing orthodontic treatment discreetly.
The clear aligners look like super-thin mouth guards. The trays fit snuggly over teeth. Each successive tray is slightly straight than the previous aligner.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable. Most patients only notice momentary discomfort when they first put on each new tray.
Adjusting to Invisalign is easy. There are no dietary restrictions. Simply wear the trays for 22 hours per day and clean the aligners using water and a toothbrush each time you brush your teeth.
When you do take the trays out to eat or to take a photo, simply snap the aligner from your teeth and place it back on when you are ready.
Invisalign uses a special patented material called SmartTrack. The advanced material allows Invisalign trays to deliver incredible cosmetic results along a predictable timeline.
On average, Invisalign clear braces are more affordable than traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces easily cost several thousand dollars are more. Orthodontists use complex and costly appliances that add considerably to the overall cost of traditional metal braces.
Any type of orthodontic treatment comes with temporary annoyances. Just remember that straight teeth are worth the wait!
Wearing clear aligners takes some getting used to. After a few days, most people begin to forget that they are even wearing Invisalign aligners.
Like metal braces, Invisalign can leave your teeth feeling momentarily sore. This is most noticeable when you first place the clear aligners. One way that you can minimize this discomfort is by placing your clear aligners before you go to sleep so you can sleep off those periods of adjustment.
Unlike metal braces, you won't be able to eat while wearing clear aligners. The clear aligners place a barrier between your teeth and food. When you do need to eat or snack, simply remove the aligners and enjoy your food.
Our patients are able to very quickly adjust to eating while undergoing orthodontic treatment using Invisalign.
Traditional metal braces have been used for decades. The treatment option delivers reliable results. When comparing braces and clear aligners, one benefit of opting for braces is the ability to address severe teeth alignment options.
The vast majority of adults and teens are candidates for both Invisalign and traditional metal braces.
An orthodontist has greater control over the braces treatment. Metal braces can be adjusted as needed throughout treatment.
Braces are not removable. This may sound like a problem, but, for some teens, this can be a benefit. If you have concerns about your child's ability to wear clear aligners for 22 hours per day, ask a member of our team about Invisalign Teen.
Anyone who has undergone treatment using metal braces knows that the appliances are bulky and uncomfortable. Metal braces are also unsightly. Some people are reluctant to smile for photos when undergoing cosmetic treatment using metal braces.
Braces also come with strict dietary restrictions. There are certain foods that will be simply off-limits. Sticky or hard foods are often prohibited.
The metal or rubber appliances can break at any time. Broken appliances must then be fixed through a visit to the orthodontist.
Your Dentist in Methuen, MA offers Invisalign because the orthodontic treatment has a long track record of success. If you are seeking a beautiful smile that dazzles, you can trust Dr. Sharma to transform your smile using effective and affordable Invisalign trays.
The vast majority of our patients are great candidates for Invisalign treatments. Teenagers, young adults, and even senior citizens can benefit from clear aligners.
The process starts with a short visit to our office. Dr. Sharma will take digital scans of your teeth.
Then, technicians at one of Invisalign's labs fabricate your clear aligners. Once their team mails back your trays, we will schedule your next visit.
Starting your Invisalign treatment can be an exciting moment. Within a few weeks of starting treatment, you can begin to notice your smile transformation.
After several months or longer, your treatment will be completed and your dentist will have you fitted with a retainer that needs to be worn nightly. As long as you wear your retainer each night, you can enjoy your cosmetic results for the rest of your life.
At Branch Street Dental, we love seeing our patients enjoy the cosmetic benefits of undergoing Invisalign treatments. An attractive smile conveys youth and beauty.
If you've been putting off orthodontic treatment, now is the time to enjoy what you've always wanted. Within a few weeks, Dr. Sharma can have you fitted with your first new pair of Invisalign trays! Contact your Dentist in Methuen, MA to schedule your next appointment.
