Understanding the key differences between these orthodontic options can help you make an informed choice that best suits your needs and lifestyle when straightening your teeth.

So, how do invisible braces compare to traditional braces? Is one better than the other? Here’s what you need to know.

Traditional Braces: The Time-Tested Solution

Traditional braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to teeth, connected by wires and elastic bands. Modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than their predecessors, but some people still don’t like the altered appearance that can come with traditional braces [1].

Invisible Aligners: The Modern Alternative

Invisible braces, or clear aligners, are custom-made series of transparent, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. These nearly invisible appliances have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a more discreet and comfortable option for teeth straightening.

Treatment Effectiveness and Duration

Both clear aligners and regular braces can effectively treat various orthodontic issues, but their capabilities differ [2].

Traditional braces excel at correcting severe misalignment, rotation issues, and significant bite problems, while clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment issues. Clear aligners are particularly effective for adults with previous orthodontic treatment.

Treatment time varies by case, but traditional braces typically require 18-24 months on average, while invisible aligners might complete treatment in 12-18 months for some cases.

Comfort and Adaptation

Traditional braces initially cause more discomfort and require longer adaptation periods. Patients often experience soreness after adjustments, including potential soft tissue irritation from brackets and wires. Patients are also more limited in the foods they can eat.

Clear aligners are different. They allow for more comfortable daily wear and are completely removable. As such, patients aren’t limited in their diet, and they generally don’t cause gum or cheek irritation. Many patients appreciate the comfort of clear aligners as opposed to metal or ceramic braces. 

Maintenance and Care Requirements

The care for traditional braces differs from that of clear aligners. With regular braces, it’s important to brush around brackets and wires to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria, which can be challenging for some patients and often requires special tools. Floss threaders or water flossers are also necessary for properly flossing teeth.

Invisible aligners are a bit different. Since they can be removed, they allow patients to brush and floss their teeth normally. This means that most patients have better periodontal (gum) health with clear aligners than those with regular braces [3]. Clear aligners do still need to be brushed daily to ensure cleanliness and prevent staining.

Ask Your Orthodontist About Traditional vs. Invisible Braces

Ready to start your journey to a straighter smile? Contact your orthodontist today for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendation for regular braces or clear aligners. Your perfect smile is just a consultation away!

Sources:

1. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/braces-vs-clear-aligners/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6343314/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4478712/ 

The post How Do Invisible Braces Compare to Traditional Braces? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While there’s no one best age for your child to have braces, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind when it comes to seeking orthodontic care. The best age will vary for each child, and your little one is unique! Here’s what you need to know about the best age for your child to have braces.

Get an Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7

Children should be evaluated for braces as their permanent teeth are coming in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist no later than age 7 [1]. Why does your child need to be seen at such a young age?

At this age, your child will still have some of their baby teeth, but also some of their permanent teeth as well. An orthodontist will be able to see bite and alignment problems forming at this age, if they are present, and recommend treatment as early as possible to prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

No Two Cases or Treatment Times Will Be the Same

The best age to begin orthodontic treatment will vary, as no two kids are the same in their orthodontic issues, tooth development, and jaw development. However, the most common ages to begin orthodontia are between the ages of 8 and 14 [2].

The average treatment time for orthodontia will range anywhere from one year to over two years. In general, however, the average time for treatment is just under two years. It’s important to remember that every child is different and treatment times can vary greatly!

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Orthodontic Care for Your Child

As kids’ teeth are generally still developing during their first orthodontist consultation, this is a good age to consider treatment. Some children will need orthodontic intervention earlier based on their issues, while others can wait until their teenage years. Some interventions are easier to do at earlier ages than they are as your child gets older.

The first orthodontist visit is usually simple and painless for children, and will involve an exam and some questions, including x-rays [3]. Based on your orthodontist’s findings, he or she may discuss treatment options with you at this time.

Is It Time to See the Orthodontist?

Your dentist can usually tell if your child requires orthodontic work, and can recommend an
experienced orthodontist to you for treatment. Some dental practices handle orthodontics as well to make treatment even more convenient. Is it time to schedule an appointment for your child to be evaluated for braces? Don’t put off this important appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/expert-answers/dental-
3. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html

The post What Is the Best Age for Your Child to Have Braces? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gapped teeth are common, and are usually the result of tooth misalignment or the size of your jaw as related to the size of your teeth. While some patients have aesthetic and functional concerns about their gapped teeth, others won’t. Either way, orthodontic treatment is typically a very straightforward way to fix gaps for most patients [1].

But do you really need to fix the gaps in your teeth? Here’s what you need to know.

A Gap Between the Front Teeth Can Cause Crowded Teeth or Bite Problems

For some people with a larger gap between their two front teeth, this spacing may not leave enough room for the neighboring teeth to come in properly, which can cause issues with tooth alignment and corresponding bite problems [2].

These issues can cause jaw pain, crooked or crowded teeth, or even an increased risk for tooth decay or gum disease. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to properly clean each tooth, which can cause plaque to build up in the mouth.

If you have chronic or intermittent jaw pain, or have crooked or crowded teeth along with your gap, it could be time to seek an orthodontic evaluation.

For Some Patients, Gapped Teeth Could Be a Sign of Gum Disease

If you notice your teeth are changing and gaps in your smile are either developing or existing gaps are becoming wider over time, this could be a sign of gum disease.

When plaque and bacteria irritate the gum tissue, it can lead to chronic inflammation and infection, which are seen in cases of more advanced gum disease. As gum disease progresses, the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place is damaged, and teeth can become looser [3].

All of this in addition to receding gum tissue can cause your teeth to appear more gapped than usual. Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own, and will require professional treatment from your dentist to remedy!

Your Gapped Teeth May Be Fine

There are many reasons a person’s teeth might be gapped, from genetics to lifestyle factors to even oral disease as we’ve seen. But for some people, gapped teeth don’t cause problems, and many people choose to keep their gapped teeth and forgo orthodontic treatment.

If you have any adverse oral health symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. He or she may refer you to an orthodontist for a more comprehensive evaluation of your gapped teeth to determine if they could be causing a problem.

Depending on your unique smile, gapped teeth may not be an orthodontic concern, although for some, they can be a cosmetic one. Getting treatment for gapped teeth is ultimately your choice, and your oral healthcare professionals can let you know more about your smile when you go in for an appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/diastema
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-gapped-
3. https://www.efp.org/patients/what-is-periodontitis.html

The post Are Gapped Teeth Really an Orthodontic Concern? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

You have modern options besides traditional metal braces if you’re concerned about your appearance while receiving treatment. Many adults are finally getting the treatment they need to have a pain-free, straight smile they can enjoy for life!

So what are some of your options for getting straighter teeth as an adult?

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for adults who may not want others to know they’re receiving treatment [2].

How does Invisalign work? Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear aligners that are custom made for your smile to gently shift your teeth into place. Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable and easier to wear than braces.

Another advantageous feature of Invisalign is that it’s removable. You can take the aligners out when eating and cleaning your teeth, which not only means you’ll have better oral hygiene during your treatment as opposed to regular braces, but you also won’t have the eating restrictions that come with regular braces.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are self-litigating braces, meaning they self-adjust and don’t require regular adjustments the way normal braces do. In fact, research shows that patients with self-litigating braces reported less pain and discomfort during their treatment than those with regular braces [3].

One of the features adults love about Damon braces is their clear brackets, minimizing their appearance on the smile while still allowing you to receive effective treatment. Their discreet presence means some people may not even realize you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance!

Lingual Braces

For a unique orthodontic option, you may consider lingual braces. Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but instead of the brackets being placed on the side of your teeth that people will see, lingual braces are placed on the backs of your teeth—meaning no one will see that you’re getting treatment!

Lingual braces provide patients a way to take advantage of all the benefits of traditional braces but without the appearance of them. With lingual braces, each bracket is customized to fit your unique smile, and some patients find the customized brackets more comfortable than those with regular braces [4].

To qualify for lingual braces, your teeth will need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets on the inside. Only your professional orthodontist can tell if you’d qualify for this form of treatment!

Schedule an Appointment with Your Orthodontist Today

With all the options available to you as an adult for straightening your teeth, why wait? Schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist today to learn more about each of these and more treatment options for finally getting your smile straight!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/adult-orthodontics/
2. https://progressinorthodontics.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40510-018-0235-z
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151365/ 4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273813387_Lingual_Orthodontics_simplifie

The post It’s Never Too Late for Braces: Check Out Your Options appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While traditional metal braces have long been the standard of care, Invisalign offers people
who want to straighten their teeth with a subtle, removable form of treatment with reduced
orthodontist visits.

But which option is going to be right for you? Although both options work to correct your teeth,
only your professional orthodontist can tell you which would work for your specific case. The
following guidelines can help you evaluate your options in advance!

For Faster, More Effective Treatment: Braces

Braces are considered to be the fastest, most effective form of orthodontic treatment that can
solve virtually any issue you want to correct with your smile [1].

While Invisalign can tackle a wide variety of orthodontic concerns, braces can almost always get
the job done faster. If you’re not worried about appearance and want to get your treatment
out of the way, traditional braces might be the way to go.

For Invisible, Comfortable Treatment: Invisalign

For when you don’t want people to know you’re receiving orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a
great choice.

Invisalign can fix most bite issues as well as gapped or crowded teeth. Although many people
think Invisalign is designed for issues that are easy to fix, this isn’t necessarily true. Invisalign
can fix many problems with your smile.

Many people report that Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces, especially since it’s
able to be removed for eating and cleaning. Whereas braces limit the ability to eat some foods
(think biting into an apple), the same isn’t true for Invisalign, making it a popular alternative.

For Complex Cases: Braces

For people who need more intensive orthodontic work, Invisalign may not be an option. Braces
are your ideal pick for complex orthodontic cases.

In addition, Invisalign isn’t able to fix every issue, nor can it rotate teeth, fix gaps that are quite
large (think 6mm or larger), and it has limited force when moving the front and back teeth.

Extractions may also limit your candidacy for Invisalign, as patients who need to have a tooth
extracted before their orthodontic treatment or during won’t be able to qualify for this form of
orthodontics [2].

For People Who Can Commit: Invisalign

Since Invisalign is removable, it certainly requires commitment. The clear aligners need to be
worn for at least 22 hours every day.

If you can’t commit to this (or are worried your child or teen won’t be able to commit), non-
removable braces may be the better choice.

However, Invisalign’s removability has its benefits: it enables you to clean your teeth much
easier than with braces. Research shows that patients who received Invisalign treatment had
healthier gums than those who had fixed oral appliances such as braces [3].

Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their pros and cons. Only a board-certified
orthodontist can tell you which form of treatment will make the most sense for correcting your
teeth. Schedule a visit with your orthodontist today to talk about braces or Invisalign!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/braces
2. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-73/issue-3/263.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478712/

The post Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Option Is Right for You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, in some cases, people who already have dental veneers may need orthodontic
treatment. This could be because their teeth have shifted or they’ve neglected to wear their
retainer. Do you have the option of getting braces or Invisalign if you have dental veneers?

Getting Braces with Dental Veneers

Yes, you can still get braces if you have dental veneers. Most orthodontists will want to avoid
attaching a bracket directly to your veneer, as braces don’t adhere as well to porcelain as they
do to your regular tooth enamel.

However, you can still get braces either by attaching the bracket to the neighboring teeth, or, in
cases where necessary, attaching to your veneer. Your orthodontist can let you know if
traditional braces are an option for you when you come in for your consultation.

If your veneer is in good shape to begin with, braces shouldn’t damage it or require
replacement after your treatment. In the event that the adhesive does affect the finish of your
veneers, your dentist can normally polish this off so your veneers will be good as new.

Considering Invisalign with Dental Veneers

In fact, many orthodontists will prefer and recommend working with Invisalign when it comes
to patients who already have dental veneers. This is because Invisalign works by customizing a
series of clear trays designed to fit your smile, so there are no brackets or adhesive necessary,
and your dental veneers won’t be affected at all.

Many orthodontists consider Invisalign to be the best option for people who need orthodontic work but already have dental veneers. While Invisalign can treat a wide variety of cases, traditional braces may be needed for certain patients. Your orthodontist can let you know if you’re a candidate for Invisalign based on your unique smile.

Making the Best Choice for You

Orthodontic work is still possible if you have dental veneers, but it’s important to make the best choice for you when it comes to your treatment options. Depending on what issues you’re having with the alignment of your smile, you can have either braces or Invisalign to get your teeth back to normal.

Scheduling a consultation with your orthodontist is the easiest way to evaluate all your options
by getting x-rays and determining the length of your treatment time based on the option you
choose. Together with your orthodontist, you can make the best treatment choice for you even
with your dental veneers!

While it’s usually best to get orthodontic work done before veneers are considered, for some
people, this isn’t an option. But don’t fret—you can still get the smile of your dreams even if
your teeth have shifted once your veneers are in place. Talk with your orthodontist or get a
referral from your dentist today to discover all your options for a beautiful smile!

The post Can I Have Braces or Invisalign if I Have Dental Veneers? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are the benefits of needing orthodontic headgear? Here’s how these appliances can help
many patients have their best smile!

Exert Additional Force

Orthodontic headgear provides additional force needed to move your teeth into their correct
positions. In many cases, the back molars will provide the proper support to move these teeth,
but in others, they won’t suffice.

Headgear relies on a strap that goes behind the neck or head that helps apply extra pressure
and move the teeth faster and into more accurate positions. In some cases, headgear can also
influence facial structure, making it important in cases where a severe overbite or underbite are
affecting facial development in children.

Accelerate Orthodontics

Orthodontic headgear does not need to be worn all day every day. In many cases, it’s rare that
your orthodontist would recommend it to be worn for more than 12-14 hours a day. Wearing
headgear for a limited amount of time is still effective for moving the teeth.

One of the major benefits of headgear is that it’s not only ideal for certain orthodontic cases, it
can also speed up treatment time in cases that might otherwise be complex and time-
consuming to treat. The additional force helps to move teeth in a shorter period of time so
treatment time may be faster!

Necessary for Some Cases

Orthodontists only use headgear when it’s necessary. This might be for cases where the front
teeth need to be moved forward instead of back, or closing a large gap that would otherwise
cause the back teeth to move forward with traditional orthodontic treatment.

Headgear is often necessary in cases where severe overbites or underbites are impeding the smile. Your orthodontist might also suggest headgear for your child in cases where the jaw is not developing correctly since it can help facilitate proper facial development.

Orthodontic headgear won’t be necessary for all cases of orthodontics, but both children and
adults can benefit from headgear in certain cases. If you need headgear, don’t stress. You won’t
need to wear it all day, just when you’re at home or asleep, and your treatment will be over
before you know it. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need to consider headgear to
perfect your smile or your child’s smile!

The post What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Headgear? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When you want to have a beautiful smile but aren’t thrilled about the idea of getting orthodontic work done, you can talk with your dentist about the following options to finally get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, sturdy shells that cover the visible surfaces of your teeth. Veneers are versatile and can help fix a variety of issues with your smile. Whether you have crooked teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, or gapped teeth, veneers can provide a beautiful, long-term solution for you.

Veneers are often considered to have the most impact on your smile for the least amount of work. You can customize the look of your veneers including the shade to target and fix your alignment problems so that all people see when you smile are your beautiful teeth!

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding consists of using a composite resin material much like the one used in non-mercury fillings to help fill gaps in the teeth and also to remedy spacing issues. The composite resin matches your natural teeth and is used to cover any alignment problems you may want to hide, or if you want to fix gaps or even the shape of your teeth.

Although dental bonding is effective when it comes to shaping teeth and filling gaps, it’s best used for minor dental problems rather than a complete smile makeover. Your dentist can better help you determine if dental bonding would be a good fit for what you’re looking for!

You and your dentist can discuss porcelain veneers or dental bonding would work as an alternative for braces, whether you want to delay your orthodontic treatment by a few years or if you want a permanent solution for your
smile!

You deserve to have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. If you need orthodontic work done but don’t want to have braces, consider these alternative cosmetic treatments. In just a couple dentist visits, you can improve the look of your smile and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy-looking teeth!

The post ​Need an Alternative to Braces? Check Out These Cosmetic Dentistry Options appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Different types of braces will have different treatment times. Here’s what you can expect when
it comes to your options for orthodontics!

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces—which consist of brackets and wires—are going to be one of the most
affordable options. However, they do come with the longest amount of treatment time, which
is an average of 24 months, or two years.

For some people, traditional braces will only be needed for 12 months; for others, their
treatment may extend beyond two years. Remember that ceramic braces are the same as
traditional braces, just with white brackets and wires, so the treatment time will be the same.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are also called self-ligating braces. This means they don’t need to be adjusted
and will adjust themselves as your teeth move into place. Damon braces are becoming very
popular in orthodontics because they tend to be less painful and easier for both patients and
orthodontists to maintain.

Damon braces also offer patients the advantage of having a treatment time that’s six months
shorter than that of traditional braces. Although individual cases will vary, Damon braces are a
popular alternative to regular braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign is another popular alternative to braces that’s not actually braces at all, but a series of
clear aligners that change every few weeks as your teeth shift. Although Invisalign can’t treat
every orthodontic issue, it can treat a wide variety of alignment and bite problems in patients.

The average treatment time for Invisalign is just 12 months, making it even more popular for
adults who want virtually invisible treatment in just half the time of traditional braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but they’re on the backside of your teeth rather
than the front. Not everyone will qualify for these braces, as you’ll need to have large enough
teeth to accommodate the braces on the sides of your teeth facing your tongue.

Lingual braces typically have a treatment time that’s less than traditional braces, with 12-24
months being the average.

Accelerated Braces

There are tools that can be used to accelerate the process of orthodontics, such as Propel.
Propel is a tool used by orthodontists that stimulates your alveolar bone (the bone surrounding
your teeth). This helps to speed up the process and make braces more effective and less painful
with predictable results.

When acceleration methods such as Propel are used in combination with regular braces or
Invisalign, patients can expect an average treatment time of just 8-12 months.

Ready for Braces?

Are you curious about what type of braces will work best for you? You can explore your options
with a qualified orthodontist who will review any issues that need to be addressed with your
smile as well as the treatment options that are available to you.

From traditional braces to Invisalign to the more creative lingual, Damon, and accelerated, you
have options for straightening your smile!

The post What Is the Average Treatment Time for Wearing Orthodontic Braces? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What can cause crooked teeth in a person? The following are the four major causes of
misaligned teeth.

Genetics

Genetics is the most common cause of crooked teeth in an individual. Traits such as tooth size
and jaw size are inherited from our parents, which can cause crowded teeth and jaw
misalignment.

For example, if you have large teeth but a small mouth, crooked teeth are likely. Unfortunately,
we can’t change our genes, so crooked teeth that result from genetics can’t be prevented, but
they can be dealt with efficiently, especially if early orthodontic intervention is possible.

Lifestyle

Besides genetics, there are lifestyle factors that can cause crooked teeth. These factors include:

 Thumb Sucking. Thumb sucking is normal for babies and toddlers, but if the habit is
allowed to continue as your child grows (typically past the age of five), it could result the
development of crooked teeth.

 Mouth Breathing. Mouth breathing is a bad habit that is sometimes present in children.
Unfortunately, persistent mouth breathing can cause jaw development issues and
therefore crooked teeth.

 Tongue Trust. Tongue trust happens when the tongue sticks out through the incisors.
Most infants exhibit tongue thrust, but the habit typically stops around the age of six
months. If tongue thrust continues, it can lead to crooked teeth.

By helping your child to overcome thumb sucking, tongue thrust, and mouth breathing, you can
help prevent the possibility of crooked teeth.

Injury

An injury can move the teeth out of place, resulting in sometimes extreme cases of crooked
teeth. If there are lost teeth that result from an injury that are not replaced, the jaw will
compensate for this loss by shifting teeth and losing bone.

A jaw or facial injury can result in teeth that are out of alignment and may need orthodontia or
the proper tooth replacements to fix.

Damaged Baby Teeth

Baby teeth directly impact the health of permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost due to decay or
trauma, the placement of the adult teeth can become compromised. This can cause them to
erupt through the gumline at unpredictable angles. Baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into
place, so keeping these teeth healthy is essential.

Baby teeth that are lost or impacted by decay can even affect permanent teeth. Bacteria from
tooth decay on the baby teeth can spread to the tooth enamel on the permanent teeth and
cause damage before these teeth even erupt through the gumline. Baby teeth play a vital role
in the formation of healthy adult teeth!

No matter what the cause of your crooked teeth is, you can always receive treatment. Typically,
crooked teeth are able to be moved into place with orthodontia. With many treatment options
for orthodontics today, you can straighten your crooked teeth and have a beautiful smile
sooner than you think!

The post What Are the Major Causes of Crooked Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.