Dental braces have long been used to straighten teeth and correct jaw and tooth alignment issues. Over the years, braces have evolved and advanced into lighter weight traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners for correcting bites, tooth alignment, and jaw alignment. The type of Braces in Chicago, IL a patient needs must be determined by a dentist and an orthodontist. The following will cover the two primary types of braces and their benefits and disadvantages.
Metal Braces
Old-fashioned metal braces were known to be heavy and unsightly. Modern metal braces are less cumbersome since they are constructed with lighter weight metal. Some people require metal braces in order to achieve proper alignment for their teeth and/or jawline. Braces along with other appliances can correct a lot more today than in years past. Headgear is still sometimes necessary, but is less common since new techniques are being used to correct bite and alignment issues. The benefits of metal braces include they do provide a way to correct misalignment of teeth and jaws in about a year to two years. Metal braces are more affordable than Invisalign aligners and clear braces. Depending on your budget and the condition of your teeth, your dentist and orthodontist will make the proper recommendations.
Invisalign System
You may hear Invisalign called braces, but this is really an aligner system used to correct overbites, under bites, and tooth misalignment. Instead of metal braces and brackets, patients are fitted with transparent aligners that fit over the teeth. These aligners are changed every two weeks until the desired results are achieved. Many patients achieve results in under two years. The benefits of Invisalign are that they are removable so you can eat, brush, and floss like normal and there are no food restrictions like you have with metal braces. Invisalign aligners are also virtually invisible which means people rarely notice them unless you tell them you are wearing them.
Not every patient is a good candidate for the Invisalign system, but they can still correct their teeth and jaw problems with metal Braces in Chicago, IL if necessary. Only an examination by your dentist and orthodontist can help determine whether you need metal braces or you can benefit from Invisalign aligners. Family Dentist of Chicago offers general, cosmetic, and orthodontic services for the health of your teeth and mouth.
