Do you have crooked teeth? Are you concerned about your uneven bite? Receive Invisalign treatment for a healthier, straighter smile. Crooked teeth are not solely a cosmetic dental problem. If you have a crooked bite, you may be more prone to developing a multitude of dental problems. Patients with misaligned teeth are more prone to developing problems like TMD and even tooth decay. Temporomandibular joint disorders put pressure on the joints that control biting and chewing. An uneven bite contributes to this stress and may lead to teeth clenching and grinding as well as jaw and tooth pain. It is also more difficult to clean between crooked teeth fully. Additionally, harmful bacteria which contribute to tooth decay can hide between teeth. Dr. Jacob McLauchlin offers orthodontic treatment with Invisalign to his patients in Nixa, MO. On this page, you can learn the differences between Invisalign and more traditional metal braces. Dr. McLauchlin will help you discover which option fits your needs.
Orthodontic Treatment in Nixa, MO
Many patients think of two main orthodontic options: Invisalign or traditional metal braces. Here you can learn more about each treatment option:
Invisalign
With Invisalign treatment, patients can comfortably realign their smiles using clear, removable aligners. First, Dr. McLauchlin takes impressions of your teeth to send to a dental lab. Then, in a lab, technicians create a series of plastic aligners. Each pair of aligners is different as they gradually straighten the teeth over time.
The Invisalign aligners are easy to care for, but we often recommend this treatment for teenagers and adults who will not misplace their aligners. Because the Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can thoroughly clean their teeth and gums. In addition, Invisalign patients can eat without restrictions against sticky or crunchy foods.
Metal Braces
Compared to Invisalign, metal braces are much older technology. They are the traditional option for patients with crooked teeth. In addition, traditional metal braces benefit patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. If you are not a candidate for Invisalign, we will recommend braces because they can address severely crooked teeth or an uneven bite.
However, braces can cause discomfort when patients visit the orthodontist to tighten their brackets and/or add new wires. Patients may experience soreness or pain if the new wires poke and irritate the gums. Additionally, after patients complete their treatment, they may have a white spot in the middle of each tooth due to their braces brackets. It will take some time for this spot to disappear with a good oral hygiene routine. Treatment with braces is often much longer than Invisalign treatment because patients have more complex orthodontic issues.
Create a More Even Smile
Do you want a straighter smile and a healthier bite? Get orthodontic treatment today. Call Mac Dental for orthodontic care with Invisalign at 417.202.0932. You may also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. McLauchlin. Please let us know if you have any questions or current dental concerns at your next visit. Our dentists will always be happy to help you get you the dental care you require.