Why Use One or the Other?
If one of our dentists suggests that you or a family member needs plastic aligners or traditional braces to correct misaligned teeth, is one better than the other? Our Yuba City family dentists understand that oral health and well-being are important to you and your family, but you want to consider all the costs involved. Here are some basics about teeth straightening using these two different orthodontic techniques and the reasons why both should be considered, since each method has its own advantages. We consider each patient’s specific circumstances, needs and lifestyle when making our recommendations.
Most Prefer Invisalign
Clear aligners are very hard to see.
While we generally prefer Invisalign for straightening teeth, not all patients are good candidates for these clear plastic aligners. Individual consultations with the patient allow us to determine if traditional braces or Invisalign is the best fit based on lifestyle, dental habits and the type of dental correction needed. The result is a treatment plan that works efficiently with results that make everyone smile!
Why Use Braces
Braces aren’t what they used to be, even though they’re still made up of brackets glued to the patient’s teeth and attached together with wires and mini rubber bands. Now patients have choices that make braces less noticeable. If being noticed is the goal, however, patients may choose bright brackets in different colors to coordinate with wire and rubber band colors (think favorite team or high school colors). Braces are required for treating complex issues, and cannot be lost, so they could be the best choice for younger clients, if they have a good daily oral care routine.
Braces and Adjustments
Using interdental brushes is critical for those wearing braces.
If our dentist and the patient decide braces are the best option, we schedule adjustments at least once a month for two years, or as prescribed according to your custom treatment plan. Braces usually range in cost from $3000 to $4000 or more. The Yuba City Dentistry Group doesn’t recommend braces for patients who engage in contact sports, play a wind instrument or who do not want to spend a little extra time each day removing food from in between their orthodontic equipment. Braces wearers should also avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that damage braces.
About Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, making them less noticeable than ordinary braces. This is a big advantage for adult professionals and teenagers concerned about their appearance! Digital software helps our Yuba City family dentists design BPA-free aligner trays that are replaced every two weeks until completion of the patient’s treatment plan. Invisalign aligners typically take eighteen months to correct alignment issues and cost about the same as braces, depending on the actual time of treatment and the amount of correction needed.
Invisalign aligner trays are smooth and reposition teeth without the discomfort typically associated with braces. They must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day, so they are not recommended for patients who do not have the self-discipline required to wear them for that amount of time. Fewer office visits are required during treatment with Invisalign, but patients occasionally lose their aligners, so for teenagers, there’s a free replacement program.
Our Yuba City Invisalign providers love answering your questions about Invisalign and braces because we enjoy providing our patients with the best choices available! We also offer Propel technology to speed up orthodontic treatment times and possibly reduce the cost of both Invisalign or braces. Call our Yuba City dental office for a free consultation and we will be happy to straighten you or a family member out, dentally that is!
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