Which Orthodontic Treatment Option is Right for You?
Our Seattle orthodontist proudly offers braces and Invisalign treatment options for children, teens and adults looking to straighten their teeth.
To determine the best orthodontic treatment option for your smile, it's important to consider some of the things that make you unique; your orthodontic issues, your personality and your lifestyle should all be factored in to your decision.
Braces and Invisalign are both highly effective orthodontic treatment options and have very similar treatment times; neither is fundamentally better than the other and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
During your consultation, your orthodontist will help you determine which option is right for your individual case, but it's always best to have a good understanding of your options beforehand.
To prepare to make an informed decision, read on below to find out what braces and Invisalign have to offer you.
Flexible Payment Plans to Make You Smile
At North Seattle Orthodontics, we proudly offer zero-interest and no money down payment plans to help make orthodontic care more affordable. After all, finances should never be a barrier to a healthy smile.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth by gently applying consistent pressure to the teeth over a sustained period of time.
Treatment comes in the form of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays a specific role in the movement of your teeth and is then switched out for the next one in your series until the desired results are achieved. What makes Invisalign a good option for many of our patients?
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a great choice for individuals seeking a lower-profile look.
Many Invisalign wearers find that few of the people they encounter on a day-to-day basis even notice the clear aligners. Invisalign is a barely-there orthodontic treatment option.
Convenient & Removable
Another clear benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed. Removability means your daily oral hygiene routine stays much the same as before your treatment began. Simply take out your aligners, then brush and floss your teeth just like you always do.
You can also take the aligners out to eat, which means you don't have to deal with any food restrictions, and you can take them out for pictures, for date night, and more.
Comfortable
Regardless of your orthodontic treatment option, discomfort is likely to happen from time to time throughout your treatment. This minor soreness is a sign that your teeth are moving towards their new positions.
That said, many people find that Invisalign's smooth construction helps minimize the friction that can lead to additional irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, making clear aligners a comfortable treatment option.
Invisalign & Braces Treatment in Seattle
At North Seattle Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for children, adults and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use a combination of brackets, elastic bands, and wires that are adjusted periodically to gradually shift and straighten teeth over time.
Thanks to recent advances in orthodontic science, braces are sleeker, more effective and more comfortable than ever before. Gone are the days of the clunky, uncomfortable braces you might be picturing from decades ago. Why are braces still a great option for resolving many orthodontic conditions?
Versatility
Braces can be used to resolve virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
When it comes to more complicated corrections, such as rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases, braces are typically the best treatment option for getting the job done.
Efficiency
Braces are capable of applying significant force, making them highly effective for correcting even the most stubborn and severe misalignments. This strength allows for treatment to progress as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Thanks to continuous advancements in design, modern braces are more discreet and durable than ever before, making them an excellent treatment option for patients of all ages.
Ease of Compliance
While there are lifestyle benefits to removable aligners, it's important to consider how likely it is that you'll always wear them as prescribed. It's surprisingly easy to forget to put them back in or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise when you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces could be ideal for you. They'll keep you honest and get you through treatment on time.