Invisalign® is often considered the most attractive solution for addressing malocclusion in adult smiles. Indeed, this alternative to braces offers many unique benefits, not the least of which is greater ease of care. Because Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen aligners are removable, keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires no additional steps. What’s more, restrictions on food are eliminated with Invisalign because aligners are removed for eating.
Removable aligners are not right for everyone, though. People who tend to misplace things, people who are not disciplined enough to wear aligners at all times outside of eating and tooth cleaning, or people who find the prospect of keeping track of removable orthodontics cumbersome should not consider Invisalign, ClearCorrect™, or a similar option. Nor should men, women, and teens with severe malocclusion.
Benefits Exclusive to Invisalign
Invisalign offers many benefits that are unique to the product’s design and function. As mentioned above, the ability to remove aligners for tooth cleaning and eating is of significant benefit for many patients, particularly those who follow a raw or paleo diet. Because aligners are removed before eating, patients with Invisalign can continue to enjoy nuts, raw vegetables and fruits, and other foods that are prohibited during traditional orthodontic treatments.
Patients who are prone towards gum disease or tooth decay can also benefit from the removal of Invisalign aligners. Removing aligners for tooth cleaning makes getting the full surface of each tooth and the space in between each tooth optimally clean. Braces, even ceramic braces, will require additional tools for proper tooth cleaning and may enhance stains and discolorations that occur during the treatment period once they have been removed. Fortunately, these stains are often easily dealt with through teeth whitening.
In addition to removable aligners, Invisalign may be:
- More comfortable – Invisalign gently moves teeth into position with a pushing motion that does not require manual adjustments. What’s more, the aligners themselves are made of a soft plastic that will not cut gums or irritate sensitive oral tissue
- Less visible – even with clear arch wire and tooth-colored brackets, ceramic braces may be a bit more obvious than Invisalign aligners
- More convenient – some people find Invisalign treatment to be less time intensive and more convenient than other orthodontic options
It is important to remember that while Invisalign has some distinct advantages, it is not the best solution for every smile. The best way to determine if it is right for your needs is through a one-on-one consultation with one of our NYC cosmetic dentists.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but there is one distinct difference: ceramic braces are not made out of metal. While ceramic braces utilize the same design – arch wire and brackets – as traditional braces, they can be shaded to more naturally fit into your smile.
Alternately known as tooth-colored braces, the brackets of the ceramic braces offered at our NYC cosmetic dentistry office are matched to your existing tooth color. Combining these tooth-colored brackets with clear arch wire allows ceramic braces to be less obtrusive, but does not compromise their effectiveness. While not made from metal, tooth-colored braces are capable of fixing even the most pronounced malocclusion – and are often faster than removable options for more significant spacing, crowing, and alignment issues.
Benefits offered by Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are better able to correct pronounced malocclusions. Because they follow the traditional method of straightening teeth, ceramic braces are part of a time-tested and long-proven technique for smile improvement. Depending on your specific malocclusion, they may also offer a faster route to completion.
Ceramic braces, like metal braces, can make tooth cleaning a bit more challenging, but most people adapt quickly and have no serious problems using new oral health tools. Our New York cosmetic dentists will work directly with you during each visit to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment and to provide you information on the daily care needed to keep your teeth strong and healthy during the course of treatment.
What Problems can Ceramic Braces and Invisalign Fix?
Both ceramic braces and Invisalign are designs to correct malocclusions such as:
- Gaps and spaces in between teeth
- Overbite and underbite
- Cross bite and open bite
- Tooth crowding
Invisalign may improve issues such as overjet and tooth protrusion (buck teeth), but is not always effective at completely eliminating these problems. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, can be used to address any type of malocclusion and may be the better solution for men, women, and teens who have need of a more involved orthodontic treatment.
Choosing the Best Solution for Your Smile
Invisalign and ceramic braces both offer unique benefits and have their own limitations. Choosing the best option can seem confusing. We work to take the guess work out of choosing the right orthodontic solution, and are here to evaluate your needs, provide you with all available options, and help you find the right treatment for your smile.
Dr. Ramin Tabib and Dr. Elisa Mello are highly trained, respected, and award-winning NYC cosmetic dentists with decades of experience helping people of all ages perfect and strengthen their smiles. If you are considering orthodontics in New York City or surrounding areas of NY, NJ, CT, or PA, we encourage you to call our office at 212-452-3344 to schedule a consultation today.
NYC Smile Design is a cosmetic dentistry practice located in Manhattan. Our dentists are sought out by people living throughout the country, but our focus remains on New York City, surrounding parts of New York State and the larger Tristate Area. To learn more about our services, including Invisalign, ceramic braces, and instant orthodontics, contact our office and schedule your first appointment right away.
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