Do you know that it is rare to have a perfectly straight natural smile? Chances are, most of the people you see with perfectly straight teeth have had orthodontic treatment at one point or another in their lives. However, just because you were not born with a million-dollar Hollywood smile doesn’t mean that you cannot have one.

At Greater Washington Dentistry, Dr. Shohreh Sharif offers various treatments for crooked or misaligned teeth, including braces and Invisalign. If you are looking to straighten your teeth, here is some information that can help you determine the right treatment for yourself.

Let’s find out:

Indications

Braces can be effective when it comes to fixing complex orthodontics issues like severe overcrowding, misalignment, and rotations, as well as multiple dental and facial issues that need correction. Braces exert a strong force on your teeth to shift them into the correct place, thanks to their linked anchors and arch wires. They are the most powerful treatment method for moving your teeth and fix a variety of orthodontic problems.

Invisalign, on the other hand, is more often recommended for people with mild orthodontic conditions, such as slight overcrowding and malocclusion ( a misalignment condition that can prevent property chewing and biting), small gaps between teeth and overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They may also be recommended for people who have had orthodontic treatment years before but are now experiencing a slight relapse.

Appearance

The biggest difference between braces and Invisalign is in their appearance. Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are made of tough but supple plastic. These trays are virtually invisible so people cannot easily notice them, increasing your self-confidence.

On the other hand, braces are made of metal arch wires and brackets and colorful bands. Choosing colored bands to wear with your braces is fun; however, some people may not be comfortable with how noticeable braces are, which may prevent them from getting the necessary orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, there is more than one type of braces.

At Greater Washington Dentistry, Dr. Shohreh Sharif offers ceramic braces and self-litigating braces as well.

Ceramic braces use a similar technology as traditional braces, but instead of using metal brackets, they use tooth-colored brackets that match the color of your teeth and make your braces less noticeable. However, since brackets are clear or white, if you consume highly-pigmented food like coffee, cola, tea, and red wine, they may stain them, reducing the aesthetics of your smile.

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