Are Clear Aligners Safer than Traditional Braces?

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Millions of people worldwide love clear aligners because they eliminate the need for traditional braces. Yet, there’s more to these dental appliances than esthetics. If you’re wondering if clear aligners in Franklin, TN, are safer, we’ll examine what you should know about the two.

Clear Aligner Safety

Clear aligners like Invisalign in Franklin, TN, are typically considered safer than traditional braces. However, it’s important to note that the differences in safety are relatively minor. Because clear aligners are removable and they don’t involve brackets or wires, there are fewer risks to sensitive gums and cheeks. This means fewer cuts and less irritation overall. So, while traditional braces aren’t unsafe in that they don’t pose any major health risks, they can lead to more mouth abrasions.

Additional Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign allows patients to take care of their teeth the same way they did before they needed clear aligners. So, unlike traditional braces, where floss needs to be threaded in between the brackets and food particles build up along the surface of the wires, it’s easier to stick to an optimal oral hygiene routine. It is possible to keep up with brushing and flossing with traditional braces, though there is an increased risk of tooth damage or decay simply due to impediments.

Invisalign also doesn’t require patients to change their eating habits. Clear aligners allow you to remove the trays whenever you eat, so you don’t have to worry about skipping out on popcorn or taffy. This can make keeping up with the recommended schedule easier, which is especially important for teens and adolescents who may resent their latest responsibilities.

Invisalign in Franklin, TN

There are some people who can’t get clear aligners due to the severity of their oral health. Invisalign works best in mild to moderate cases, and for some patients, only traditional braces will do. However, if it’s at all possible to get clear aligners, an orthodontist in Franklin, TN will typically recommend them before any other treatment. Traditional braces certainly aren’t unsafe, but they open the door to more potential issues (including small cuts that can eventually lead to bigger problems).

6 Commonly Asked Questions About Braces

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So, you’re getting braces. You probably have many questions! Fortunately, your orthodontist in Franklin, TN, can help you get answers. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about braces, with helpful answers.

1. What are braces for?

The braces’ purpose is to correct tooth alignment and bite problems. Braces can also help correct cosmetic problems. If you have crowded teeth, overbite, underbite or crooked teeth, then you may benefit from braces. Your dentist will tell you whether you’re a good candidate for braces.

2. What’s the difference between braces and clear aligners?

Braces and clear aligners can correct many of the same problems. However, braces do their job when the braces’ wires pull the teeth into the correct position.

Clear aligners are made out of clear plastic that fits over the teeth. They do their job by slowly pushing the teeth into the correct position. As the teeth slowly reposition themselves to fit inside the aligner, then the aligners are replaced with new aligners that push the teeth even further.

3. How can you tell if you need braces?

Your dentist will be the one to tell you definitively whether you need braces, but you may be able to tell by some of the following symptoms:

  • You bite the inside of your mouth frequently
  • You have a hard time chewing
  • Chewing makes you tired
  • Your teeth are visibly crooked or crowded

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your dentist.

4. How are braces maintained?

Braces need to be brushed twice each day, just like your teeth. You should also floss your teeth once daily. To floss your teeth, thread the floss through your teeth between the braces and the gums. Once it’s threaded through, move the floss up and down, under the gum like you would normally. Then, floss the area between your teeth on the other side of the wire.

5. Does it hurt to get braces?

It shouldn’t hurt to have braces attached to your mouth, but you may feel discomfort soon after they are installed. This discomfort will fade with time.

Do you have more questions about braces in Franklin, TN? Call Cool Water Orthodontics to find out the answers to your many questions. We’re happy to provide you with the information you need.

Answers to Your Questions Regarding Invisalign

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You or your teen needs braces, but neither of you are thrilled with the idea. After all, it’s difficult to hide traditional metal braces when you talk or smile. However, you’ve heard rumblings about a system of clear aligners that work just as well as braces without drawing all the unwanted attention. Will they work for you or your teen? Probably so. The teeth-straightening system you’ve heard so much about is called Invisalign®, and it does a beautiful job of transforming smiles. Your dentist in Franklin, TN, will be happy to answer any questions you may regarding Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?

A complete Invisalign treatment, from beginning to end, can take as little as six months. It uses no obvious wires or brackets, so it’s difficult to tell you’re wearing it. It all begins with an assessment by your dentist who’s specially trained in the Invisalign procedure. They’ll examine your teeth and use digital technology to devise a customized treatment plan. You’ll receive thermoplastic trays that have been designed to fit over your teeth exactly. You’ll wear each tray for roughly 20-22 hours per day for one-to-two weeks before switching to the next tray. Each successive tray will move your teeth closer to perfection.

How Is Invisalign Preferable to Traditional Metal Braces?

The plastic Invisalign trays are clear, which means they’re discreet. Few people will ever notice you or your teen are wearing them. Additionally, you can remove them easily for eating, brushing, and flossing, though you will be required to sleep in your aligners.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

Adults and children as young as six can use Invisalign as long as they’re responsible enough to keep them in for the required hours per day. But anyone using Invisalign must have good oral health. For instance, if tooth decay is present, it will need to be addressed prior to the placement of the trays.

Where Can I Find Invisalign in Franklin, TN?

For more information on Invisalign in Franklin, TN, call Cool Water Orthodontics today. At Cool Water Orthodontics, we use the latest in digital technology to ensure your visit is as non-invasive and efficient as possible. And our clinicians and staff are always friendly and professional. Call today to schedule your consultation for Invisalign.

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Benefits of Clear Braces

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One of the recent advances in orthodonture is clear braces. Clear braces are an alternative to traditional braces that are popular with adults who need teeth alignment. You can get clear braces from your dentist in Franklin, TN. If you are trying to decide if clear braces are worth it for you, consider the following benefits.

More Attractive Appearance

One of the drawbacks of regular braces is their unsightly appearance. Teenagers have always dreaded traditional braces, but for adults, having a “mouth full of metal” can be even more unsettling. Clear braces blend in with the teeth much better than metal braces, and offer a much more attractive appearance. If you are concerned with how braces will look, then clear braces are a great option.

Better Self-Esteem

No matter what kind of braces you choose, they will be visible when you smile. If you or the teenager in your family need braces and self-esteem is going to be an issue, then you should definitely consider clear braces. These kinds of braces are made with a transparent material that let your natural teeth show when you smile. Of course, there is a very thin band of metal that connects each brace, but that is hardly noticeable. For many people, wearing braces is uncomfortable as far as self-esteem goes. Clear braces are the best option for this situation.

More Professional Looking

If you are an adult who is choosing to get your teeth aligned, you may prefer clear braces because they look more professional. This can be a benefit if you are someone who works in the public eye, on camera or as an executive. Unfortunately, braces are connected with adolescence, since teens are the age group most likely to get braces. Even though braces for adults are becoming more common, it might be helpful to get clear braces in order to project a more serious, professional look for business.

Clear braces aren’t for everyone, but with these benefits, they are certainly worth your consideration. If you would like more information about clear braces in Franklin, TN, please contact us today. We’d be happy to answer all your questions about clear braces and other braces alternatives.