Posted: March 18, 2019
Braces and Invisalign® are both orthodontic solutions that can have a profound impact on the health and beauty of your smile. Which one is right for you will be dependent on multiple factors, including your personal goals, and should be determined with the help of a qualified and experienced dental professional.
If you are considering braces or Invisalign® and live in the Manhattan area, call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more.
Braces an Overview
Braces typically indicate orthodontia comprised of wires and brackets. Traditionally, both of these parts were made of metal, likely informing the mental picture most associated with the word.
While silver-colored wire and bracket braces may be the most common type, they are far from the only type of braces. Other options include:
- Ceramic, tooth-colored braces with tooth-colored brackets and clear archwire
- Lingual braces placed behind the teeth
Regardless of the type of braces used, the technique will be the same. Braces work to straighten teeth through gradual tightening of the archwire which, strung through brackets, to pull teeth into their optimal position.
Benefits offered by braces include:
- The ability to address pronounced malocclusion
- Reliable and effective
- Time-tested and proven
Drawbacks of this orthodontic solution include:
- Dietary restrictions
- Require special care and cleaning
- May cut or irritate soft oral tissue
- Can take up to three years to complete
At NYC Smile Design, we can help shorten treatment duration with the help of AcceleDent®, which may help speed the rate at which teeth move for some patients. During your initial consultation, we can discuss this option in greater detail.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a removable orthodontic solution that uses clear plastic aligners to move teeth into their optimal position. Invisalign aligners are worn at all times, unless eating or cleaning the teeth, enabling each set of aligners to move teeth closer to their ideal alignment.
There are a number of benefits offered by removable orthodontia like Invisalign and ClearCorrect®. These include:
- No dietary restrictions
- No difficulties cleaning teeth
- Can be almost unnoticeable
- Will not cut soft oral tissue
- May only take six to twelve months
The ability to remove aligners for eating and cleaning is a benefit for some, but a burden for others. If keeping track of aligners or having to remove and store them in public seems problematic to you, you are likely not a good Invisalign candidate.
Other potential drawbacks to Invisalign include:
- Higher price
- Easy to misplace
- Changes in speech patterns
- Chronic dry mouth
During your consultation at our Manhattan office, we can cover all of the benefits and limitations of the various orthodontic solutions we offer to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Removable Orthodontics
Even after teeth have been straightened, you may need to wear a removable orthodontic device to keep teeth in the correct position. We offer several removable orthodontic options to help ensure long-term results. If a removable appliance will be needed for your treatment, we will discuss these options during your time in our care.
Orthodontic services at NYC Smile Design area based on physiologic principles. We can provide a physiologic diagnosis during your orthodontic treatment evaluation to determine the most effective course of treatment for your overall physiological needs.
Call Our Manhattan Office for a Consultation
If you are ready to learn which orthodontic option will best meet your needs, call 212-452-3344 to schedule a consultation at NYC Smile Design today. Located in Manhattan, we serve patients living in all surrounding areas of New York City along with communities throughout New Jersey and Delaware.
