Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign vs. braces easton pa

Invisalign vs. Braces

Most people would prefer a bright and beautiful smile. Unfortunately, many of us are not born with the perfect smile, which is why patients seek out dental services. One option that can improve your smile is Invisalign or braces. This orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth in the perfect place. If you’re unsure about which treatment to start, see below, where we discuss Invisalign vs. braces.

The Cost

Traditional braces are typically less than clear aligners. Of course, it depends on what needs to be done to straighten your smile. Some patients have underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, etc. Braces usually range in price from $2,500 to $8,000.

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on the number of trays needed. The number of trays required is determined by the magnitude of the changes required to your teeth. Invisalign will range in price from $3,500 to $8,000.

Before making a decision, you should discuss the cost with your dentist in Easton, PA. If you have dental insurance, you will be able to get a portion of your treatment covered. You may determine the overall cost of braces or Invisalign by contacting the insurance company or checking your coverage. At College Hill Dental Group, we offer a smile protection plan to help make dental treatment affordable for everyone. 

Physical Appearance

The most noticeable difference between braces and Invisalign is their presentation, and Invisalign will always prevail in this category. Invisalign is almost undetectable, while traditional metal braces are more visible. Invisalign trays are made of removable, transparent plastic, while braces are made of metal. Some children enjoy choosing various colored bands for metal braces, but most children and adults prefer the look of Invisalign. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so if you’d prefer to have a treatment that is more discreet, Invisalign is the way to go.

Convenience

Straightening your teeth isn’t an experience everyone enjoys. If you have braces or Invisalign, the process of straightening your teeth can be uncomfortable. Shifting your teeth from one place to another can cause discomfort, but the end result is worth it. As your body adapts, most patients won’t notice it after the first few weeks. 

Invisalign, on the other hand, is more convenient than traditional braces because it doesn’t have sharp edges that can cut lip and tongue. If you or your child participates in sports, metal braces can pose a safety risk if they come into contact with anything.

The Effectiveness 

Braces have been used for years to straighten teeth and improve smiles. Braces cannot be removed by the patient. So, they’re stuck on until the treatment is completed. Additionally, braces can correct more complicated problems than Invisalign can, explains our friend Dr. Green, who provides Invisalign in Parker, CO.

The disadvantage of Invisalign is that the trays are removable. Patients can remove their trays when they eat, drink, or brush their teeth but should be using them 22 hours a day. Unfortunately, not all patients follow this rule. Furthermore, if you lose or misplace your trays, your teeth will begin to shift back if you do not wear the trays. In some cases where the teeth are badly misaligned, traditional braces are often more successful. Teeth that are rotated or overlapping cannot always be straightened with Invisalign, explains Dr. Moghadam.

If you are unsure if you are a candidate for Invisalign, you can schedule an Invisalign consultation at our dental office in Easton, PA. 

Convenience

In terms of convenience, braces and Invisalign both have advantages and disadvantages. Braces are good because you don’t have to switch them out every few weeks, but they do restrict your ability to consume certain foods, which is a major inconvenience.

Invisalign might not be the best choice if you or your child is prone to misplacing objects. It may also be difficult to excuse oneself in social settings to remove the Invisalign trays before eating and to replace them afterward.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you have braces or Invisalign, cleaning your teeth should be a top priority. Cleaning is usually harder with braces because you can’t move the brackets or wires. 

Brushing and flossing are the same with Invisalign, but there is some extra work needed to keep the trays clean. You should clean the trays after each meal. To scrub and brush, use warm water or a special Invisalign cleaning solution. When you have braces or Invisalign, it is even more necessary to maintain good oral health, so remember to brush and floss!

Now that you understand the difference between Invisalign vs. braces, you can hopefully decide which treatment is better for you. If you’re unsure, you can always contact College Hill Dental Group for a consultation. Our team is happy to help your smile goals come true!

Invisalign FAQ

Invisalign FAQ - Easton PA

Invisalign FAQs

A bright and beautiful smile is a must in today’s digital world where practically everything is captured on camera. Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that is used to straighten teeth over time. Below, Dr. Dave Moghadam, answers Invisalign FAQs. 

What’s the Invisalign?

Invisalign is a great alternative to braces. It allows patients to go through treatment without bulky, metal brackets and wires. So, how does it work? When you visit our dental office in Easton, PA, we will use a 3D imaging technology to create a custom treatment plan. Here, we will show you how your teeth will be positioned once treatment is over. Then, you’ll be given your first series of aligners, which will slowly move your teeth over time. Every so often you’ll need to switch out your trays for the next set. 

What Are The Invisalign Liners Made Of?

Simple aligners are made of lightweight plastic called SmartTrack®, specifically designed for Invisalign treatments. Aligners are FDA-approved and do not contain BPA, BPS, latex or gluten.

What problems can Invisalign deal with?

Patients often ask us which dental problems Invisalign clear aligners can fix. Most dental concerns can be fixed with Invisalign. However, Invisalign isn’t for everyone. Talk to your dentist in Easton, PA, about whether or not your unique smile can 

Invisalign can fix: 

  • Crowded teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Tooth Gap

Who’s the Invisalign for?

As mentioned before, Invisalign isn’t for everyone. The perfect candidate for Invisalign is usually adults or teenagers. Children who have lost all of their baby teeth can use Invisalign. However, our friend Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, points out that children aren’t as responsible, so taking on Invisalign may be too big of a responsibility for them since they will need to take them out in between meals.

What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?

There are so many advantages to Invisalgin, says Dr. Dave. Not only is Invisalign transparent and discreet, but they’re also removable! It eliminates the inconvenience of brushing, flossing, and eating with traditional braces. Most patients choose Invisalign aligners because hardly anyone notices they’re going through an orthodontic treatment.

What’s the Right Way toTake Care of  My Aligners?

Many dentists in Easton, PA, will recommend using an Invisalign Cleaning Device to eliminate germs. You should also gently brush and rinse your clear aligners with toothpaste and warm water. Dr. Dave doesn’t recommend rinsing with hot water in case your custom aligners warp. 

Is Invisalign Going to Straighten My Teeth If I’ve Had Braces in The Past?

Yes! This is actually pretty common. If you don’t take good care of your teeth after braces, there’s a chance that they shift out of place. Invisalign can fix a lot of simple and complex problems. Contact College Hill Dental Group today for an Invisalign consultation! 

New Smile for the New Year

New Smile for New Year - Easton PA Dentist

New Smile for the New Year

2020 has been a whirlwind, to say the least. As we get ready to jump into the New Year, we can’t help but set new goals and intentions. What are some of the things you want to achieve next year? Is it a promotion? Purchasing your dream car? Maybe a fitness goal? How about starting the New Year with a new smile. Below, our dentists in Easton, PA, share a few cosmetic and restorative treatments that will get you a new smile for the New Year

Do You Have Crooked Teeth?

If you didn’t have a chance to get braces while you were younger, now may be a perfect time. There’s absolutely no reason why you should have to go through life unhappy with your smile. There are plenty of dental treatments that can enhance your smile and hide your flaws. You may be thinking that you’re too old for braces. Some people may agree with you, but age is just a number! If you’re still not feeling intrigued to get braces, College Hill Dental group offers clear aligners. If you’re looking to straighten your smile, Dr. Moghadam will likely recommend Clear Correct or Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment allows you to straighten your smile with a series of clear, custom, removable trays. Over time, they gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. With Invisalign, you are able to remove your trays when you eat and drink. Many people choose this orthodontic treatment because it’s hardly noticeable!

Chipped or Broken Tooth?

If you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, Dr. Moghadam may recommend dental bonding as a solution. This treatment is effective and affordable! It’s made out of composite, which is painted to your tooth and then bonded with ultraviolet light. Dental bonding restores decayed, chipped, and fractured teeth. Plus, it’s matched with your tooth’s natural color, so no one will notice!

Missing Teeth? You Need a Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are an excellent way to restore some or all missing teeth. If you avoid replacing your missing teeth, your teeth will likely shift, and you’re more likely to develop tooth decay. Dental implants allow you to replace your missing teeth by screwing an anchor into your jawbone. From there, your Easton, PA dentist will place a dental crown on top of your dental implant. This acts as a natural tooth, and the best part is you don’t have to worry about taking special care of it, unlike dentures. Dental implants can be costly, but they’re well worth the investment.

Yellow Stained Teeth

One of the first things anyone will notice about you is your smile, whether it be good or bad. Make a great first impression with your pearly whites! Dr. Lesson, a St. Pete cosmetic dentist, agrees that professional teeth whitening can do wonders for anyone’s smile. Nothing boosts your confidence like a beautiful white smile! Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by scheduling your professional teeth whitening with College Hill Dental Group! The results are instant!

Taking steps to improve your smile is simple! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Moghadam or Dr. Walbridge online. Our staff is happy to help you achieve a new smile for the New Year. Contact College Hill Dental Group today.

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Is Invisalign for Me - College Hill Dental Group

Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Dentistry has come a long way. Over the years, dental treatments have steadily advanced in their ability to restore functionality and aesthetics, and Invisalign in Easton, PA represents modern dentistry at its finest. Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a clear set of tray aligners. 

Invisalign uses a series of aligners made from a special blend of strong, solid plastic, which slowly moves your teeth to the desired position. They are replaced every two weeks as your teeth slowly shift and move to the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign braces can be taken off and slipped on by the patient. However, all Easton PA, dentists insist that you should wear your aligner trays for at least 22 hours per day. You should only take them out to eat, drink beverages (not water), and brush and floss.

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Since Invisalign is very discreet, they are extremely popular with older teens and adults. What’s more, you can remove them to eat and to clean your teeth, unlike traditional braces. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for Invisalign. So, how can you determine if Invisalign is right for you? The best cosmetic dentist in Easton, PA, explains below.

What are you trying to fix, and how serious is it? Despite Invisalign’s rising popularity and ability to treat most dental issues, it doesn’t treat everything. If you are suffering from severe dental problems, Invisalign may not be right for you. For instance, if you have an extreme under-bite, overbite, or crooked teeth, Invisalign is simply out of the question. To treat them, advanced orthodontic procedures would be necessary to physically shift the jaw bone. Invisalign braces can be used to treat:

  • Mildly crooked teeth
  • Gaps in the teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Mild overbite
  • Mild under-bite
  • Excessive central tooth overlaps
  • Imperfectly positioned teeth when the mouth is closed

Does Age Play a Factor?

How old are you? Invisalign uses the plastic aligners to slowly shift the teeth into the desired position, but that only works when the jaw is mature and has stopped growing. Thus, older teens and adults are much more suited for Invisalign braces than children. Additionally, the Invisalign program requires tons of dedication.

Traditional braces require metal wires and brackets. Although they are temporary, they can get uncomfortable when they are adjusted.

As mentioned before, Invisalign braces are removable. Any patient who starts Invisalign will have to stay on top of their treatment plan to achieve the smile they want. The patient is responsible for wearing their Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours every day for them to be effective. Older teens and adults don’t have a problem sticking to this schedule. Dr. O’Grady, a Denver Highlands dentist, reminds us that patients will have to be okay with sticking to this schedule for 6-24 months. A child would have a very tough time fulfilling these requirements, so we recommend Invisalign for older teens and adults.

After Invisalign

After your Invisalign treatment, your Easton PA dentist likely recommends that you wear a retainer. This is to ensure that your teeth do not shift back to their original position. The amount of time you wear your retainer varies from person to person. 

Can you commit to Invisalign aligners? The results are definitely worthwhile. Join thousands of people on a journey to a beautiful new smile. Contact College Hil Dental Group to learn how you can achieve the smile of your dreams.