Which is Better, Invisalign® or Braces

When straightening teeth, we do more than move your teeth into the right position. We also align your bite. Otherwise, you would continue to have problems and discomfort. When wearing braces, the bite is usually aligned using a series of rubber bands that hold the jaw in position by stringing a band from one bracket on the top palate to one on the lower jaw. When straightening teeth with Invisalign, pressure is applied to the teeth to move them into the right position. This means that, if your underbite or overbite is caused by your teeth, it can be corrected using aligners. However, if you have a physical problem with your jaw, you may need to have jaw surgery in addition to wearing your aligners. Another option for misaligned jaws that cannot be fixed using aligners is to wear traditional braces. When you visit our dental office, we will let you know if your bite problems can be solved with Invisalign, and very often, they can be.

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we can resolve the challenge of overcrowding with several methods. The most common orthodontic option is wearing an expander. This can be done when straightening teeth with braces or Invisalign. An expander pushes the arch outward so there is naturally more room for your teeth. This is the least-invasive method and often preferred by our patients.

The other option is to remove one or several teeth before straightening them or to shave off small portions of the enamel to make enough room. When you visit our dentist office, we can explain all of these options in detail so that you can make an educated decision regarding which solution is right for you.