Clear Aligners vs. Braces
Dentist in Portland, OR
 With all of the incredible advancements in technology, it is no surprise that the field of orthodontics has made such a big leap in recent years. Because of access to modern machines and updated software, much less time is spent in the dental chair for many of the procedures. For some, this can mean finally restoring many of the issues that may have caused them fairly significant dental difficulties, such as malocclusion, or prevented the enjoyment of their favorite foods. Dougherty Laybourn Menashe Dental can adjust your teeth, regardless of if they are slightly overlapping, fairly crooked, or badly crowded, and do our best to help ease some of your troubles.
What Are Braces?
Many of us may remember someone who had metal on their teeth. The traditional method of realigning each individual tooth simultaneously has been around for a long time. Braces can be a method for fixing many orthodontic problems. You may already be familiar with some of the more common issues braces are known for fixing. If the top part of your jaw is bigger than the bottom part, then you may have an overbite. If the bottom part is bigger than the top part, then you may have an underbite. Though it may require removal of a few back teeth to allow for enough space to move around, ultimately it is well-known how beneficial realignment can be.
When traditional braces are applied, metal brackets are adhered to the front surface of the tooth. A wire and many rubber bands are connected to the brackets to begin realigning the teeth. The idea is to coax every tooth into a different position, which may be the best place for optimal dental health. Approximately every four to six weeks, you will come in for an adjustment to tighten the wire. It can cause some discomfort but is usually managed quite effectively with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil. On average, it can take around two years to complete the full treatment.
With more recent advancements in digital imaging, we can complete a 3D impression of your mouth without having to resort to standard time-consuming methods involving mouth extenders and medical putty. Because of this, it is possible to create an accurate image of your entire mouth, which can then be used to design an identical plastic representation of your teeth. In addition to being able to determine a likely prediction of how your mouth may look after the realignment, these plastic devices can be used to adjust your teeth as well. This is often considered a more aesthetic option, however, as it does not work for correcting many of the more serious dental issues that traditional braces can.
Which Braces Are Right for You?
Ultimately, it may come down to how much work needs to be done to create the desired outcome. If you only need minor adjustments and would prefer a more discreet method of fixing your teeth, then a clear aligner might be right for you. As adhered to, It could also help mask unsightly gaps in your smile when it is worn. For more complex resets, traditional braces can be the most effective in restoring dental issues. Many patients find that resorting to the metal brackets, even as an adult, can achieve greater and longer-lasting results.
Schedule an Appointment
The bottom line is, if your teeth need adjusting, there is no sense in putting it off any longer than necessary. Any braces could benefit you better than none at all. If you feel like you would like to talk about your options and how dental braces may help you, please stop by Dougherty Laybourn Menashe Dental to talk to one of our qualified staff members, or just call 503-334-1141 to schedule an appointment to discuss whether braces may be right for you.
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