Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Today, more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment. Perhaps they were unable to have braces earlier in life, or they had orthodontic treatment as adolescents but results were inconclusive or did not last. Thanks to advances in dental technology, there are more options than ever when it comes to seeking orthodontic treatment. Rather than simply have to opt for braces (which have improved significantly in recent years on their own), dentists offering the latest advances in orthodontics also can use systems of clear plastic aligners such as Invisalign to straighten patient’s teeth. Your cosmetic dentists in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care want to take a deeper look at comparing Invisalign and braces, and help you determine which orthodontic treatment method is right for you.
Time of treatment: If you are an adult, you may be more eager about having orthodontic treatment completed as quickly as possible, limiting the amount of time you receive treatment. Braces have come a long way in the past few decades; braces provided by a state-of-the-art orthodontist like the ones at Tusculum Dental Care can be installed with ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires, which are more discreet than traditional metal braces and also less likely to irritate the gums and mouth. However, braces still take about two years to achieve their treatment goal—and mean returning to the orthodontist once per month to have the braces adjusted.
Invisalign, by contrast, often can produce straighter teeth in 18 months. Or, in cases of minor crookedness, treatment may be completed in as little as six months. Invisalign patients return to their orthodontist every six to eight weeks and receive a new set of clear plastic aligners at each of these appointments.
Dental hygiene: It can be a challenge to keep your mouth completely clean while wearing braces. Bacteria and food particles that can serve as a fuel source for bacteria that cause tooth decay accumulate around the brackets and wires, in areas that are hard to reach with your toothbrush. The brackets and wires of braces also make it more difficult to floss and keep your teeth clean. These hygiene problems can increase your risk of oral health threats such as cavities and gum disease.
Invisalign patients, however, can remove their plastic aligners whenever they eat or perform their routine of oral hygiene. This means your teeth can be brushed and flossed thoroughly on a daily basis, helping you maintain a high level of oral health. Your Greeneville orthodontists at Tusculum Dental Care do recommend cleaning your plastic aligners on a daily basis to keep them looking their best.
Aesthetics: Braces are more discreet now, thanks to the ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires previously mentioned in this article. However, for ideal aesthetics, there is no substitute for orthodontic treatment through Invisalign. The aligners literally are transparent, making them virtually indistinguishable when worn. If you still have concerns about people noticing your aligners, they can be removed before attending an event where photos will be taken. However, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day to ensure successful treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment in Greeneville
The length of treatment for any method of orthodontic treatment is determined by how severe the alignment issues are, along with other factors such as the age of the patient, the level of oral hygiene, and how well the patient is able to tolerate the chosen course of treatment. Our dentists Dr. Craig Shepherd and Dr. Nathaniel Renner evaluate each patient on an individualized basis when determining the right method of orthodontic treatment. Ready to find out which type of orthodontic treatment is right for you? Call our office at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care is proud to serve patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin in Tennessee.