fbpx

FAQ’s

Invisalign Vs Braces

Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign vs Braces? Invisalign straightens your teeth giving you a beautiful smile with easy to remove clear aligners. There are no wires to trap food or get in the way when you floss. No metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. Since you’ll remove the aligners each time you eat, you can eat whatever you like! Invisalign straightens your teeth invisibly without metal braces.

Severe Crowding

Severe Crowding

Video Unavailable

When the permanent teeth do not have enough space to erupt into the proper position, due to a jaw that is too small relative to the size of the permanent teeth.

Crossbite

Crossbite

When one or more of the top teeth bite inside of one or more of the bottom teeth. This is due to a narrow upper jaw. Expander: Used to correct both Severe Crowding and Crossbite.

Severe Overbite

Severe Overbite (“Overjet”)

When the top front teeth bite far in front of the bottom front teeth, also known as “buck teeth”. This is usually due to a deficient lower jaw, and often a narrow upper jaw. Twin Block: Used to correct severe overbites.

Open-bite

Open-bite

Video Unavailable

When the top and bottom teeth do not touch, even when the child is biting down all the way. This can be caused by mouth breathing, tongue-thrust swallowing pattern, or finger-sucking. Treatment varies, depending on the cause of the open-bite.

Underbite

Underbite

Video Unavailable

When the top front teeth bite behind the bottom front teeth. This is due to an under-developed upper jaw, and/or an overdeveloped lower jaw. This can be treated a variety of ways, depending on the cause for the underbite.

Questions and Answers

A: In most cases, the answer to this question is no. All clear aligner systems available, including invisalign, are constructed based on an initial set of molds or an initial 3D scan. For an adult, this can work very well to straighten their teeth. For a child or teen that is still growing, however, this initial mold does not accommodate for the growth that the child will experience during their treatment, and the results will not be ideal. If the orthodontist is confident that your teen’s mouth will not continue growing, and that all of their permanent are fully erupted, it may be possible to use clear aligners including invisalign.

Still have questions about Invisalign vs braces? Give us a call (845) 896-8880

A: Typically, once the child’s 6-year molars have completely erupted (usually age 7 or 8), it is a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation. The majority of children will not require treatment at this age, but it is important to screen early, as for approximately 10% of the population, early treatment is very beneficial.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

A: The right time to start full braces is not based on age, but rather the dental stage a patient is in, and the treatment they require. For patients who do not require a Phase I treatment (also known as early intervention), braces are usually indicated once all of the permanent teeth have fully erupted. On occasion, it may be necessary to begin treatment while there are still only a few baby teeth remaining. It is usually beneficial to have braces while the child is still growing, as the orthodontist can help to guide the jaw growth with braces, optimizing the results. That being said, no one is ever “too old” for braces; as long as your teeth and gums are in good health, anyone is a candidate for braces.

A: Inhale, exhale, and take note: Did you breathe through your nose or your mouth? Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may seem like a trivial concern, but when mouth breathing becomes habitual, various oral health problems may result. For example, a dry mouth can lead to increased oral bacteria; this puts chronic mouth breathers at greater risk for tooth decay, bad breath, periodontal disease and cavities. Beyond that, you might be surprised to know that there is a correlation between dental problems, face shape, sleep problems and learning issues—and the common denominator is often mouth breathing.

Read full article by Dr. Walters in Dear Doctor Magazine. Read Article

A: Approximately 10% of patients will require early treatment, also known as Phase I treatment. Phase I treatment can include palate expanders, retainers, bite plates, partial braces, and more. Typically, Phase I treatment is primarily to correct growth problems of the jaws, not to straighten the teeth. In most cases, these patients will also require a second phase, or Phase II treatment, consisting of full mouth braces, to straighten the teeth. Your orthodontist is the only person who can determine if your child will require such treatment, however here are a few indicators that your child may need early treatment: underbite, severe overbite, extremely crowded teeth, crossbite, open-bite, finger-sucking habits, and tongue thrusts. See below for more information on some of the more common problems.