Dealing with crooked teeth can be a challenge. Many patients have found that Invisalign® trays can provide the same results as standard orthodontics but with less force. In addition, this option is often faster and can even go unnoticed by others. The nature and design of the aligner trays make them an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
Traditional braces place a great amount of force on individual teeth to move them more quickly. Unfortunately, this can come with some unwanted side effects for certain patients. Invisalign® trays are designed to more evenly distribute force across all teeth and to do so gradually, which has many benefits.
Braces require metal bands, brackets, wires, and rubber bands to straighten teeth. The nature of these appliances can make them feel uncomfortable against the soft tissues of the mouth. The archwire, which spans across the front surface of the teeth, exerts the most force to move a wayward tooth back into the proper position. Rubber bands are used to attach the wire to the brackets and different strengths may be used on particular teeth for more pressure. These forces combined with regular adjustments can cause pain and discomfort for several days after appointments.
Invisalign® trays are made from a comfortable, lightweight material that does not irritate the gums, lips, or cheeks. The trays are replaced with a brand-new set every few weeks for the duration of treatment to help maintain a consistent, gradual shift towards proper alignment. This allows patients to avoid the abrupt pressure changes that braces often require, resulting in less pain and discomfort after appointments and throughout the treatment process.
The technology behind Invisalign® allows for more precision from start to finish. Aligner trays more evenly distribute a smaller amount of force on all teeth rather than exerting excess pressure on individual teeth. This approach often enables patients to complete treatment in a shorter amount of time, which means a straighter smile sooner.
Although it is relatively uncommon, the force and tooth movement caused by braces can sometimes lead to root resorption. During this process, an immune response is triggered that causes the body to dissolve the root structure of a tooth. There are many reasons root resorption may occur, including:
As a result, a tooth may become loose and, eventually, a total loss may occur. Invisalign® treatment is gentler on the teeth and root structures because the aligners use significantly less force than traditional braces. Therefore, the risks for root resorption are lower.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces in San Antonio, TX
Using excessive force with braces can be effective in straightening teeth. However, this approach can be more uncomfortable and lengthy, and may pose certain risks. Patients who choose Invisalign® for treatment can enjoy numerous benefits plus less force for an often faster and more comfortable experience.
Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.
Patients who qualify for and choose the Invisalign® system of teeth straightening over braces receive a series of customized clear aligners. These fit snugly over the teeth so as to be nearly invisible to observers. The treatment does not take as long as traditional straightening with braces and is typically more comfortable for the patient…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
You may know that Invisalign® is different than traditional braces, but you may not know all the reasons why. Both Invisalign and traditional braces straighten your teeth and correct other issues, but in very different ways. For many, Invisalign aligners are a great choice to straighten the teeth without visible brackets and wires. There are…
Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…
Invisalign® can help correct your smile and improve your dental health. Your dentist will check your dental structures first. This determines if you are a good candidate for this dental straightening treatment. Here are the details about when your dentist would recommend Invisalign.Dentists would recommend traditional braces for severe dental crookedness. But for mild cases,…