Want Straighter Teeth? These are your Options.
By: Stephen Price DDS | Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 | Orthodontics
Wednesday, February 15th, 2017
Imperfections are a given. There are relatively few people whose permanent teeth grow in perfectly, symmetrical and in a proper position. For some, the tiny variances in the straightness of their teeth come across as the character. For others, misalignment or bite issues are more problematic, and correction may be needed.
When teeth are not aligned properly, each tooth may endure excessive bite force. Crowding and twisting make it difficult to clean all plaque from hard-to-reach places, and this invisible biofilm can harden into tartar. This creates a higher risk for cavities and gum disease, not to mention bad breath. In our Burke office, patients from Northern Virginia can consult with an experienced Invisalign dentist about a discreet, comfortable way to straighten their teeth.
Why would you want to consider Invisalign? To understand the answer, let’s explore the options that you may have to choose from:
Traditional Orthodontic Treatment
What is traditional orthodontia? Braces. It’s metal brackets that are cemented to the front surface of each tooth. A wire is run through each bracket. About every 4 weeks, this wire is adjusted to place pressure in the area where movement is desired at that time.
Clear Braces
The development of clear brackets and wires has made orthodontic treatment more appealing – at least regarding aesthetics.
Invisalign
Invisalign has been a huge leap forward in the correction of mild to moderate misalignment. The system may still seem new, but its use began in 1998. Early on, Invisalign was perceived as a cosmetic orthodontic method; meaning, it was intended for the correction of mild alignment issues at the front of the mouth. This idea was all wrong.
The Invisalign system has been designed to correct spacing issues as well as occlusal issues such as an overbite or cross-bite. The difference between this method and traditional braces is that Invisalign moves teeth with force exerted via a clear, plastic aligner. The appliance looks like a mouth guard, or like the trays you where to whiten your teeth.
In addition to being ultra discreet, Invisalign aligners are appealing because they can be removed, unlike the metal, fixtures were worn during orthodontic treatment. This means that food choices do not have to be altered and that oral hygiene can be performed without obstacles getting in the way.
We are happy to discuss your option for Invisalign when you visit our Burke office. Call (703)750-9404.
