A beautiful smile has an immense impact on a person’s self-esteem, success, and quality of life. That may sound dramatic, but it’s true! Check out this survey completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry that explains how a beautiful smile can affect others’ perceptions.

One of the best methods of correcting crowded, gapped, and crooked teeth is orthodontics. If that word scares you, we understand. You’re most likely having flashbacks to middle school and the tv show Braceface. Thankfully, braces have changed considerably over the past decade.

Continue reading this blog to learn about the current orthodontics options available to our patients. 

Traditional Metal Braces

Modern brackets and wires are much more inconspicuous than they used to be. Though the braces are visible, they don’t take over your appearance. Today’s wires are thinner than ever before, but still just as strong. The brackets are also smaller than they used to be.

Traditional metal braces are recommended for all types of orthodontic issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• And more…

Most of the time, patients have several orthodontic options, but patients who have severe dental misalignment typically require traditional metal braces as they are the most effective treatment option.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are equivalent to traditional metal braces in every way except aesthetics. For patients who require the strength of traditional braces, but want a more discreet option, clear braces are it!

Clear braces are made up of nearly invisible brackets and wires. These are usually made from ceramic, porcelain, or plastic material—all of which match most patient’s natural teeth color.

Because of the materials used to make clear braces, they tend to be much more comfortable, however, it also makes them more expensive. Patients also report that clear braces are difficult to clean because of their larger size as well as the color because it stains so easily. However, these downfalls seem small when compared to the advantage of being very inconspicuous.

Invisalign®

Patients request Invisalign clear aligners more than any other orthodontic option. Adult patients especially love the idea of invisible braces. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but Invisalign clear aligners are also extremely durable and effective. Patients also love that they can remove their braces while eating and don’t have to worry about food being stuck in the brackets.

With modern technology, clear aligners correct several orthodontic issues, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

While this is true, traditional metal braces are recommended for patients with severe malocclusion. Patients should also consider these disadvantages before choosing Invisalign:

• Cost: Most of the time, Invisalign is not covered by insurance. On top of that, they are more expensive than other orthodontic options.
• Responsibility: Although clear aligners are removable, patients must commit to wearing them for at least 22 hours a day—only removing them when eating. It also takes a certain level of responsibility to keep up with the aligners which is why we mostly recommend them to adults.
• Hygiene: Patients must clean their teeth and aligner after every meal and before placing them back in their mouths. This can be extremely inconvenient.

Orthodontics in Grant Park

Ready to improve your smile? Dr. Abbey J. Lee at Smiles for Grant Park is prepared to help! We offer a wide range of orthodontic options for every need. Contact us today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your initial consultation.