shutterstock_100322954-300x241Do you needs braces, yet don’t want to suffer through metal brackets and wires? Then you should consider Invisalign braces. This clear alternative to braces is the most preferred method of orthodontic treatment amongst adults. Dr. Deborah Gennero, your Houston, TX dentist provides her patients with information about Invisalign braces.

What Makes Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces straighten teeth with semi-permanently bonded brackets connected to wires that require periodic tightening. While this method of orthodontic treatment is quite effective, it’s far from inconspicuous. Plus, adults who require braces, usually don’t want to suffer through two years worth of metal-based orthodontic care.

Invisalign is the clear solution to braces. In other words, rather than sporting brackets and wires, patients correct their smiles with a series of plastic aligners that look similar to a clear retainer. Throughout the treatment, you’re given a set of aligners that require replacement every two weeks. As the weeks progress, your smile slowly transforms before your eyes. Additionally, patients with Invisalign braces can eat and clean their teeth with ease, yet still receive the orthodontic care they require.

Disadvantages to Invisalign Braces

Though these clear aligners do provide a number of benefits, patients should know Invisalign does have a few limitations. These include:

  • Invisalign treatment tends to take longer than traditional orthodontic care does. Since the aligners require removal during mealtimes and general teeth cleaning, consistency is lost. Unlike metal braces, which stay in place, the clear aligners slow down progress during each removal.
  • Patients with nighttime teeth grinding or clenching habits tend to damage the aligners; traditional braces discourage the continuation those habits since the metal can cause damage to oral tissues.
  • For severely misaligned or gapped teeth, patients may require metal braces. Invisalign is meant for mild alignment ailments, such as: minor gaps, overbites, and underbites, and some crossbites. However, an openbite is an issue only metal braces can tackle.
  • Invisalign is more expensive than traditional orthodontic treatment. Oftentimes, insurance may not pay for Invisalign since it’s considered the more cosmetic option to braces.

Talk to Your Houston, TX Dentist about Orthodontic Treatment

For more information about Invisalign braces, talk to Dr. Gennero. She can explain how this method of orthodontic alignment works and how long it takes to complete treatment. To schedule an appointment with our Houston, TX dental office, call us at (281) 578-6200. Also, visit our website for services, patient forms, and to learn more about the team. We gladly welcome patients from Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugarland, and surrounding cities.