Braces and Invisalign

What are braces?

Braces are custom orthodontic appliances that use archwires, metal or ceramic brackets, and rubber bands to improve the position of your teeth and jaw. 

What are the types of braces?

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces utilize a combination of metal brackets, rubber bands, and archwires to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaw. At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Modi bonds the brackets to the front of your teeth. Every few weeks, you return to the Miracle Smile Dental office for checkups and Dr. Modi makes adjustments as necessary.

Clear braces (ceramic)

Clear braces are very similar to traditional braces, the difference is that the brackets are made of ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic brackets mimic the color of your tooth enamel, so the braces blend in with your teeth, allowing for a more discreet form of treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners, rather than braces, to straighten teeth and correct malocclusions (bite problems). Like braces, Invisalign places gradual force on your teeth to shift them into place. However, while braces apply tension to all of your teeth at once, Invisalign targets specific teeth over time.

The main difference between Invisalign and braces is their appearance. Clear aligners are just that — clear. They’re also removable, offering you more freedom than braces while you straighten your teeth.

What can I expect from the braces and Invisalign process?

Braces

During the first step of getting braces at Miracle Smile Dental, Dr. Modi digitally scans your teeth and bonds brackets to each tooth. When the dental glue dries, she attaches wires to the brackets to begin the process of shifting your teeth into a better alignment.

You attend periodic orthodontic appointments at Miracle Smile Dental. That allows Dr. Modi to check the progress of your treatment and tighten wires to gradually shift your teeth into a better position. 

Invisalign

When you begin the Invisalign process, Dr. Modi takes highly accurate impressions of your teeth with the iTero intraoral scanner. Then, she uploads your scans into Invisalign’s proprietary software, where she creates your custom treatment plan. Dr. Modi sends the plan to the Invisalign lab to fabricate your clear aligners.

Your personalized treatment plan typically includes a new set of aligners every two weeks. To ensure your plan stays on track, you must wear your clear aligners for 22 hours a day. You should only remove Invisalign to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Always rinse your aligners before placing them back in your mouth to minimize your risk of tooth decay.

Because Invisalign is primarily a digital process, Dr. Modi can make adjustments to your plan through the Invisalign software. This reduces the number of in-office visits you need to attend.

To learn more about braces and Invisalign, call Miracle Smile Dental or schedule an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary