Today’s orthodontics have come a long way in the past few decades. Now you have choices that weren’t available in the past.

Reese Orthodontics in New Hope and Chanhassen, Minnesota, has fitted hundreds of adults and children with braces and Invisalign. How do you decide between the two? The first step is getting a correct diagnosis. Do you have a crossbite or overbite? Are your teeth crooked or protruding?

Dr. Karen Reese takes X-rays, reviews your dental history, and performs an examination of your mouth and teeth. Once she understands the problem, she can develop the best solution for your needs.

Neither braces nor aligners are better than the other. The choice depends on the goals of your treatment. Part of the equation also involves your lifestyle needs. If you’re in a visible role on TV, the stage, or in business, you may not want metal braces. However, did you know that braces now come in ceramic that’s tooth-colored?

Following are some factors to consider when getting orthodontics.

Compliance

With traditional braces, compliance isn’t an issue: they can’t be removed. If your preteen child needs orthodontics, braces may be a good option. You don’t have to worry about them taking off their aligners and forgetting to put them in after eating. In addition, they can’t lose them, as is a possibility with aligners.

For adults and older teens who are motivated to finish orthodontics as soon as possible, aligners may be a great choice. You need to commit to wearing your aligners 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush your teeth, and floss.

Time to complete treatment

The treatment time with Invisalign is often shorter than with traditional braces. Traditional braces are typically worn for one to three years. Milder problems corrected with Invisalign may be complete in six months.

Convenience

With Invisalign, you usually have fewer appointments and less time in the dental chair than with traditional braces because you receive multiple sets of aligners at one time. If you’re a busy adult with a hectic schedule, having fewer dental appointments is a plus.

You’ll likely have scheduled visits every six to eight weeks. You won’t have extra, unscheduled visits for problems with brackets or wires as you might with metal braces.

Wearing traditional braces, you or your child should plan on orthodontic visits every four to six weeks. If a wire breaks or comes out of place, you’ll need an additional visit.

Overcrowding

Metal braces tend to be more effective at modifying tooth placement when your teeth are very overcrowded. Overcrowding is usually due to a small jaw.

No matter which option you choose, your orthodontic treatment enhances your facial appearance. Call our office most convenient to you or book an appointment online today for an orthodontic consultation to see what braces or Invisalign can do to transform your smile.