Misalignment has an obvious impact on your smile, causing many people to feel embarrassed about the appearance of their smiles. However, there are also other less obvious but very serious impacts on your oral health. To correct alignment issues you need orthodontics. In the past, braces were one of the only options available. However, we can now offer Invisalign. What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?
How Misalignment Hurts Your Smile
Aside from appearances, having teeth that overlap or crowd each other means proper brushing and flossing can be difficult, leaving bits of food behind for bacteria to break down. As a result, a higher chance of oral health problems, including cavities and gingivitis, develops. In other cases, misalignment can actually place pressure on the jaw joints, which makes the risk of TMJ disorder or bruxism higher. Overall, misalignment can hurt your oral health.
Traditional Braces
Braces consist of metal brackets placed onto the front of the teeth and connected with an arch wire. The dentist or orthodontists adjusts then tension by tightening the wire periodically, repositioning the teeth over a period of a 18 months to 2 years on average.
Invisalign
This option is significantly different. First, no brackets or wires are necessary. Instead, patients wear a series of practically invisible plastic aligners. The patient upgrades to a new aligner set about once every two weeks and total treatment takes between a year and 18 months. For many, this is a less obvious and more comfortable alternative to traditional orthodontics. However, if you have serious malocclusion then braces may be a better option. Otherwise, we can help you achieve a more beautiful smile with the Invisalign system. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment then please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR WINNETKA DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including: Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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