When customers come to our office looking for new ways to straighten their teeth, we often have to explain the differences between classic dental brackets and newer clear aligner systems like Invisalign. At Specialty Smiles, we’ve helped a lot of families in North Miami realize how these different forms of straightening teeth may make their smiles seem different in different ways. Thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, we now have amazing tools that make it easier and more comfortable than ever to fix even the most complicated tooth alignment problems.
For decades, traditional dental brackets, which are the main part of regular braces, have been the best way to fix teeth. These small metal or ceramic bits are glued to each tooth and attached with wires that gently and constantly push the teeth into the right position. Bracket-based systems have worked wonders for us, and they are still a great alternative for many of our patients, especially those with more complicated orthodontic needs that require precise control over tooth movement.
But the introduction of Invisalign has completely changed how we undertake orthodontic treatment by getting rid of the necessity for traditional brackets. Braces for Kids and Invisalign technology doesn’t use fixed appliances that are affixed to the teeth. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners that slowly move teeth into the right places. A lot of our patients who desire effective treatment without the look of traditional metal gear have started using this bracket-free method.
Invisalign is especially appealing since it solves a lot of the problems individuals face with traditional brackets and wires. Patients can keep their natural look during treatment because the clear aligners are almost noticeable when worn. Teenagers who have undergone orthodontic treatment have told us that they feel much more confidence when they have to give a speech or go to a social function because they know their mouths aren’t getting too much attention.
Another big benefit of the Invisalign system over regular braces is that they are more comfortable. Sometimes, traditional braces can irritate the lips and cheeks, especially when patients first obtain them or after they have been adjusted. The smooth plastic used in Invisalign aligners gets rid of these rough edges and bumps that can make bracket-based systems uncomfortable during the first few weeks of use.
We employ the latest digital scanning equipment at our North Miami location to make exact impressions for Invisalign treatment. This method is far more comfortable than the old-fashioned putty impressions that were needed to schedule orthodontic treatment. With the digital method, we can show patients exactly how their treatment will go and what their final outcomes will look like before they ever put on their first set of aligners.
One thing that makes Invisalign different from systems that use brackets is that you may take the aligners off to eat and clean. Patients with traditional brackets have to stay away from some items that could hurt the hardware or get stuck around the wires. People who use Invisalign can eat whatever they want as long as they take their aligners out while they dine and snack. This independence makes the treatment process a lot more fun and less limiting.
Also, taking care of your teeth with Invisalign is a lot easier than taking care of them with brackets and wires. After taking off their aligners, patients can brush and floss as normal. However, cleaning around traditional brackets requires special tools and methods to keep their mouths healthy during treatment.
At Specialty Smiles, we carefully look at each patient’s individual needs to see if Invisalign or traditional bracket-based treatment will work best for them. Invisalign can fix a lot of orthodontic problems well, but certain complicated situations still do better with the exact control that traditional brackets and wires can give. Our goal is always to suggest the treatment that will offer each patient the healthiest, prettiest smile possible.