Dental Health – Blog

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Better?

csbadmin — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:02:32 +0000

Invisalign vs. Braces

People love the look of Invisalign, yet many shoppers still opt for braces. Traditional braces and Invisalign are two popular orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth gradually. As both are FDA-approved devices that yield stunning results, it can be hard to know which method is best.

When choosing between Invisalign aligners and braces, shoppers should consider factors like the level of correction needed, age, and lifestyle. Here, we delve into everything consumers need to know to decide between Invisalign and braces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign is one brand of clear aligners, an orthodontic device that corrects crooked teeth. Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are custom-made mouthpieces molded from medical-grade plastic that apply pressure to teeth, guiding them to the desired position. Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.

Shoppers should consider the benefits and drawbacks of both Invisalign and traditional braces to determine which one is better. Take a look at the pros and cons of clear aligners like Invisalign.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Appearance

Unlike metal braces, clear plastic Invisalign aligners closely fit a user’s teeth and are nearly invisible from a distance. A discreet style is one of the main reasons many people choose transparent aligners over braces.

Comfort

Clear aligners fit flush against teeth and don’t cause the cuts or discomfort that braces can. While wearers do experience some discomfort with teeth repositioning, the inside of the mouth is largely spared pain with Invisalign.

Ease of Brushing and Flossing

With clear aligners, users simply remove the mouthpiece and brush and floss normally. No need for a lengthy and challenging dental care process as with traditional braces.

No Danger With Hard or Chewy Foods

Braces wearers should avoid hard and chewy foods, including nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. But because people with aligners must remove them before eating, they don’t need to avoid these foods.

Fewer Orthodontist Visits

Some patients won’t need to visit the orthodontist as frequently with aligners as with braces. While Invisalign treatments usually require a visit every four to six weeks, some online companies provide customers with clear aligners and zero orthodontist visits, although this isn’t the best option for everyone. For braces treatment, customers must come into the office for every adjustment.

6 Best Affordable Invisible Braces Brands of 2023

csbadmin — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:00:52 +0000

Why Trust Our Expert Review?

Underlying research

3,300 hours of research
Five experts consulted
1,000 users surveyed
One focusgroup held
17 brands considered
Six brands selected as the best affordable invisible braces

Methodology

Our experts independently research and recommend products that we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 3,300 hours collectively conducting in-depth research on invisible braces. Throughout this process, we did the following:

Engaged in ongoing independent research
Consulted with dentists and orthodontists
Mystery shopped brands
Surveyed more than 1,000 invisible braces users
Became customers of invisible braces companies
Interviewed experts in the field
Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

Comparison of the Best Cheap Clear Aligner Brands

Provider	Cost	Average treatment time	Payment plan	Remote monitoring	Lifetime guarantee
Lowest price: AlignerCo	$1,145	4–8 months	✓	✓	✗
Best for complex corrections: SmileDirectClub	$2,050	4–10 months	✓	✓	✓
Best for bad credit: Byte	$1,895–2,295	3–6 months	✓	✓	✓
Best financing option: NewSmile	$1,395-$1,495	4–6 months	✓	✓	✗
Best guarantees: Strayt	$1,848	4–8 months	✓	✓	✓
Best for additional perks: SnapCorrect	$1,749	3–6 months	✓	✗	✗

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard?

csbadmin — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 11:58:27 +0000

When it comes to brushing your teeth, there is such a thing as proper technique. Brushing too hard — or using the wrong toothbrush — can damage your teeth and gums, leading to problems like enamel wear and receding gums, which can in turn lead to tooth sensitivity, says Gene Romo, DDS, a dentist in Chicago.

“People tend to brush aggressively, thinking it’s the only way they can get their teeth to feel clean and look whiter,” Dr. Romo says. “That’s counterproductive, because not only does it cause recession of your gums, but you’re also wearing away the white, glossy enamel on your teeth, making them look yellow and darker.”

Not sure if you’re brushing too hard? Take a look at your toothbrush. If you’ve been using it for three months or less, it should still appear relatively new. “If it looks beat-up and flat, that’s a sign you’re brushing way too hard,” Romo says.

The Proper Way to Brush Your Teeth

It will require some mindfulness, but you can change your hard-brushing ways, Romo says. Follow these proper-brushing tips and you’ll relieve tooth sensitivity and prevent damage to your teeth and gums.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Choose one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal and replace it every three or four months — or sooner if it frays, according to the ADA. The size and shape of your toothbrush should fit your mouth well so you can reach all areas easily, adds the ADA.

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. That way, the bristles can reach and clean underneath your gumline, Romo says.

Gently move the brush back and forth. Use short, tooth-wide strokes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, the ADA recommends. To clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, let it do all the work and just lightly glide it over your teeth instead of pushing it against them. To make sure you’re using a gentle grip, try holding your toothbrush in your nondominant hand.

Slow down. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two full minutes twice a day to prevent plaque and cavities, according to the ADA. “For people who have never tried it, it can feel like an eternity. You don’t really know what two minutes feels like until you actually brush that long,” Romo says. But when you’re not rushing to finish, it will keep you more mindful about brushing gently.