Sometimes, before you start your treatment, oral surgery is needed. This may include extractions of baby teeth at an appropriate age, that have not fallen out yet to speed up the process of adult teeth to grow in, to start braces. Extra permanent, adult teeth that are not necessary and cause crowding may need to be removed to make room for other teeth and start braces. Wisdom teeth removal is also recommended in some cases to prevent and avoid future problems during treatment and after treatment, such as causing teeth to shift.
With technology today, orthodontists, dentists, and oral surgeons may recommend Invisalign over traditional braces. Invisalign is a great option for many because they are nearly invisible for those who do not want braces to affect their appearance. Invisalign is also very convenient for oral hygiene during treatment because of the removable plastic trays. You can remove the plastic trays before eating, drinking, and brushing & flossing your teeth. Because of this, food is less likely to get trapped within the gums and between the teeth, which can cause cavities. This also helps prevent staining, which you might see in traditional ceramic braces and staining of the teeth, which are common with traditional braces and are noticeable once the braces are removed.
Many patients also find Invisalign to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces because the plastic material is softer than metal. Invisalign has been around for nearly 20 years, therefore, the technology of Invisalign has only gotten better. In certain causes, Invisalign may include buttons which help shift the teeth quick for quicker results. Depending on your own treatment, Invisalign can also be replaced every week instead of every two weeks like before, hence, faster results as well. Because Invisalign has been around for two decades and has become increasingly more common, it has also become more affordable!
Invisalign is a great option for many patients. If you are thinking of starting braces, please speak with your orthodontist to see if you are a qualified candidate for Invisalign.