Invisalign vs. Braces? – Depends on the patient’s need.

You decided you want straighter teeth and a more confident smile. Now you, and your [b]orthodontic specialist, Dr. Bryan Hicks in West Vancouver[/b], need to decide the teeth straightening technique that is right for you.rnrnBoth Invisalign and braces correct crowding, spacing and overbites, however the decision may ultimately be based on the complexity of your case. rnrnInvisalign uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays worn directly on your teeth, ideally 24 hours a day, to help achieve the preferred position. Each set of trays (aligners) gently guides the teeth into place and is worn for approximately two weeks before moving onto the next in the series. The benefits of Invisalign are the aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic and are therefore more aesthetically appealing to clients. The aligners will not affect your speech or irritate the inside of your mouth. Plus, since the aligners are removable, you can brush, floss and eat as usual. For some patients, such as youth, the temptation to take the aligners out can be too much, which results in them not being worn enough (at least 22 hours a day) to promote movement. For these patients braces may be recommended. Also Invisalign is ideal to for esthetic purposes, while dental braces are recognized to correct more complicated dental issues.rnrnTraditional braces consist of metal or clear brackets bonded to each tooth with a thin metal wire attached to the brackets. This wire exerts a light force that causes to teeth to move. Braces today are reported to be more comfortable than before, though occasionally may cause slight irritation to the inside of the lips, cheeks and tongue. Braces also come with food restrictions due to the possibility of loosening brackets and damaging wires. The main benefit of dental braces is that they are more effective for complex cases, such as controlling back tooth bite issues and turning cylindrical teeth. rnrnUltimately, with a goal of creating an attractive and healthy smile, Dr. Bryan Hicks, your orthodontist in West Vancouver, can help you determine the best course of treatment for your unique needs. [b]Contact us today at (604) 922-0111 to schedule your consultation.[/b]