Invisalign vs. Wired Braces

If you have just made up your mind to get braces to align your teeth, then the first question that will probably pop up in your mind is whether to use the regular wired braces or opt for Invisalign. Choosing the right type of braces is not an easy job, especially if you don’t have much of an idea about their individual effectiveness. You must be asking yourself, which one will be a better choice? What’s the cost of each one?

Some people might not feel as comfortable when going out in the crowd wearing braces. After all, a perfect smile says a lot about your personality and boosts your self-esteem. If you want to get straight teeth in no time without covering up your smile, then choosing Invisalign braces is the ideal choice for you. These braces are virtually invisible and serve as an aesthetic alternative to conventional wired braces.

All You Need To Know About the Two Options

The common goal for both regular and Invisalign braces is the same – to straighten the teeth while simultaneously improving oral health and allowing you to speak and smile beautifully and confidently.

Wired Braces

These are known as wired braces mainly because they consist of metallic brackets, which are then glued to the teeth. A wire is then placed through the brackets and tied on with small medical bands of rubber which are available in many other colors.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are virtually invisible. The aligners are made with smooth, comfortable, BPA free plastic materials, which allow you to easily wear them and make for less emergency visits. Before your orthodontist has your Invisalign aligners created, they will take you for an x-ray and a 3-d digital scan which is then used to replicate a digital model of your teeth and configure the tray aligners in the appropriate manner.

Differences

Wired Braces

You are able to choose what colors you would like to have at every visit.
They are fixed to your teeth throughout the duration of your treatment
You must ensure that you brush the wires regularly to avoid the buildup of bacteria or plaque.
You must visit the dentist regularly for follow ups.
You won’t be able to chew hard meals or anything particularly chewy.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible.
You are encouraged to wear them for 22 hours out of the day, they are removed only for eating or drinking anything that is not water.
Maintaining and cleaning your teeth throughout treatment is easy.
Follow-up visits are less frequent than traditional braces.
You can chew any meal without worrying about discomfort or breakage.

Orthodontic Emergencies Tips to Help You Get Through in a Crisis

Visit Your Orthodontist in Case of Orthodontic Emergencies (Image courtesy mlarsson62 on Pixabay via CC0 Public Domain license)

Do you know that there is a time during the year when orthodontic emergencies crop up more frequently than others? Now is that time. Fall sees many people go outdoors, fill up parks and stadiums, and play a wide variety of sports. It may be that the NFL season inspires them, or it could be that they want to squeeze in as much play as they can before snow blankets the fields and parks. Whatever the reason, the heightened activity also results in an increase of orthodontic emergencies.

What to Do in Case of Common Orthodontic Emergencies

When you are out running around and engaging in a lot of body-contact sports, the chances of orthodontic emergencies increase. This is not to imply that you should sit around at home… get outdoors, but also keep the following orthodontic emergencies tips in mind:

How to Fix a Loose Wire

A wire or a band may come loose if you sustain a fall. Push the protruding wire gently backwards with the back of a spoon, a cotton swab, a pair of tweezers, or the eraser end of a pencil to get it out of the way. You may need to cut a wire that is jutting out if you cannot push it back under the archwire. Use clean fingernail clippers or a pair of scissors to cut the wire. If any piece of wire continues to bother you, place a piece of wax over the wire.

What to Do If You Have a Loose Bracket or Band

If pushing the wire does not keep the bracket or the band in place, or the wire comes out or falls off entirely, put a piece of wax on it.

A piece of wax comes in handy in any kind of orthodontic emergency involving a loose appliance. The wax will keep the appliance in place until you reach your orthodontist’s office while also preventing it from poking you.

What to Do If You Have Lost a Separator

Don’t lose sleep over lost separators. Plenty of patients lose a separator while undergoing dental treatments. However, you should check with an orthodontist to know if it has to be replaced.

What to Do If Your Headgear Has Slipped Out of Place

If the headgear attached to your braces has slipped out of position you may be able to put it back in place, but it is always a good idea to get it checked by the orthodontist afterwards.

What to Do If a Sharp Aligner is Poking You or Your New Braces are Making You Sore

Orthodontic emergencies may crop up even when you are indoors. A new aligner can feel rough or your new braces can poke you or make you sore. Use an emery board to smooth the sharp edges of the aligner. Place a piece of wax over your braces to lessen the abrasion on your lips, cheeks, and tongue. If the soreness persists, rinse your mouth with warm saline water.

You can manage several orthodontic emergencies yourself, but it is always wise to check with your orthodontist afterwards. Some quick-fix solutions may only work temporarily before the original issue sprouts again. Keep your orthodontist’s number handy, but also be careful. Enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about orthodontic emergencies.