Teen Orthodontic Treatment
In many ways, the teen years can be the best time to have your teeth straightened because, during this stage of life, jaws and teeth are still growing and shifting, which makes moving teeth into a permanent, aligned position that much easier. The teenage years are also a good time to undergo orthodontic treatment because your teen will be surrounded by peers who also have orthodontic appliances. This helps your teen feel more secure and confident knowing that their peers are experiencing the same transformation.
Dr. DiGiovanni and the team completely understand that many teenagers have reservations and questions about their treatment and the treatment options available to them. We realize the importance of ensuring each patient understands why they need treatment and the amazing benefits that come from the final result—a beautiful, healthy smile.
At your exam, Dr. DiGiovanni will discuss all options available to obtain the best result and find the perfect solution for your specific needs and busy lifestyle.
Brenton is wearing light champagne-colored braces here. Teens today have many choices for their treatment. Utilizing the latest technology, all of our treatment options have been designed to complete your treatment more quickly, comfortably, and safely with phenomenal results.
braces or invisalign? which is right for me?
THEY ALL MAKE AMAZING SMILES!
Dr. DiGiovanni will be sure to give you the pros and cons of Invisalign vs. Braces in your specific case
COST COMPARISON
Typically the costs are the same for Invisalign or braces treatment. There are some instances where Invisalign would be more expensive than braces, but this is not common
Appearance
The biggest difference between braces and Invisalign is appearance, and Invisalign is going to win this category every time if you are looking for the most discreet way to align your teeth. Invisalign is virtually undetectable while braces are certainly more noticeable. Invisalign does require attachments secured to the teeth which make the appliance more noticeable. In saying all this, many patient enjoy picking out different colored ties to bedazzle their mouths and enjoy this aspect of wearing braces!
Comfort
Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than traditional braces since it is fabricated from smooth plastic rather than brace which protrude more and tend to rub against the soft tissue in your mouth. In saying this, patients get use to braces over time.
Effectiveness
With an experienced ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST like Dr. DiGiovanni and a patient who follows the Doctor’s instructions, the result with braces and Invisalign should both be excellent. This is so important!! There are specific cases where one option may obtain a superior result or quicker treatment time and Dr. DiGiovanni will be sure to discuss all these details specific to your treatment at your exam. But in most cases, an experienced ORTHODONTIST (NOT A GENERAL DENTIST) and a compliant patient will obtain the most incredible orthodontic result regardless of wearing braces or Invisalign. . .
Care and Cleaning
Cleaning your teeth must be a priority regardless of whether you have braces or Invisalign and they both present challenges with respect to good oral hygiene. There is no doubt that it is more difficult keeping braces clean in that they do trap food and require more time. Since you can remove the trays, brushing and flossing is the same but effort is required to keep the trays clean. We will certainly go over hygiene techniques with you when you start your treatment and are always here to answer questions.
DIET AND FOOD RESTRICTIONS
By far this is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign over braces. By being able to remove the trays, their are no diet restrictions whereas with braces many foods are restricted (Hard, Sticky foods, etc.). But the trays need to be worn at least 20 hours per week. If you are a person who eats many small meals each day, you will struggle getting the necessary time wearing the aligners. Also only drinking water is recommended while wearing the aligners. Please take these restrictions into consideration in making your treatment choice.
Invisalign versus braces — the verdict
By far this is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign over braces. By being able to remove the trays, their are no diet restrictions whereas with braces many foods are restricted (Hard, Sticky foods, etc.). But the trays need to be worn at least 20 hours per week. If you are a person who eats many small meals each day, you will struggle getting the necessary time wearing the aligners. Also only drinking water is recommended while wearing the aligners. Please take these restrictions into consideration in making your treatment choice.
