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!

Popular Adult Smile Makeover Options

adult smile makeover options - Easton PA

Popular Adult Smile Makeover Options

Are you not loving your smile? Insecurities are normal, no matter what the age. If you’re an adult who hides your smile, it may be a good idea to learn more about how a smile makeover can change your life. In recent years, there have been many incredible advancements with dental technology. This gives patients more choices to choose from when selecting their cosmetic dentistry treatment. If you’re considering enhancing your smile, our dentists in Easton, PA, discuss the most popular adult smile makeover options.

Why are adults opting for smile makeovers these days?

Do you want to know if you can get a smile makeover? If you want to change a few things about your smile, having a makeover is a brilliant idea. It is up to you and your dentist to choose one or more makeover choices. Many adults decide to get a makeover because they are tired of covering their smiles. You no longer have to be self-conscious or humiliated when you make an appointment with a dental professional to enhance your smile.

Popular Smile Makeover Options for Adults

There are so many smile makeover options available at our dental office. Our team will always weigh out different options depending on your smile goals. Below are a few cosmetic dentistry options, all ranging in price. 

Option #1: Dental Implants

When one or more of your teeth are missing, Dr. Dave Moghadam will recommend dental implants as one of your smile makeover options. You’d be surprised by replacing even one tooth could brighten your smile. A dental implant is surgically implanted into a patient’s jawbone, giving it the appearance and function of a real tooth. It’s typically capped with a dental crown, which will be customized to match the shape and color of your other teeth.

Option #2: Invisalign

At College Hill Dental Group, we offer Clear Correct and Invisalign as our orthodontic treatments. Many patients aren’t born with naturally straight teeth, and most adults prefer not to get braces. Clear aligners allow patients to straighten their teeth without the traditional metal braces. Furthermore, most patients love Invisalign because of how discrete the treatment process is, says our friend Dr. Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs. Contact our office today to see if you’re a good candidate for this smile makeover option. 

Option #3: Teeth Whitening

Many people are unaware of how significant the results of a professional teeth whitening service can have on their smiles. Teeth whitening is definitely on the more affordable side of cosmetic dentistry, says Dr. Jinyoung Kim, a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, KY. It is important to choose a dental professional to perform whitening services. They are experts at achieving the look you’re wanting. Furthermore, patients who choose teeth whitening at our dental office can go up several shades brighter. 

Are you ready to transform your smile?

So, now that you’ve read about the most popular adult smile makeover options, you can decide if it’s time to start treatment. If you’re looking for dental services in Easton, PA, contact College Hill Dental Group today! Our team will help you achieve your smile goals and give you that confident smile you’re looking for. 

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! 

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.