Clear Aligners Vs. Braces

Henderson, NV
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When people hear that their teeth need straightening or their bite is out of alignment, their minds instantly go to braces. Braces are a great part of orthodontics, but for many people, they can be hard to use, uncomfortable, hard to wear in public, and just come with a negative stigma around them. However, braces are not the only type of orthodontic device that can straighten your teeth, and at Joshua M. Ignatowicz DMD & Associates we want to inform you about all of the options available.

From typical braces to Invisalign® sets, we have several options for straightening your teeth and giving you a perfect smile. Not all braces are the traditional metal ones that may instantly come to mind.

Teeth Out Of Alignment

When your teeth get out of alignment, either by having large teeth in a small mouth, jaw problems, or tooth damage, it is time to see one of our orthodontists. We have several options for treating misaligned teeth and will work with you to figure out what options will fit your smile.

The first primary option is traditional braces. These are bonded to your teeth and then held in place with wires and brackets. The structure holds your teeth in place and gently moves them over time, with our orthodontists making adjustments over the course of several years. Braces will remain on your mouth for one to three years, depending on how far your teeth need to travel to get where we want them.

Headgear is another way to correct jaw alignment problems. This device is strapped to your head and is often used alongside braces. The headgear puts pressure on your braces and helps manipulate the jaw, helping correct problems with jaw bite and facial structure.

Invisalign And Clear Aligners

This is easily one of the most popular treatments for teeth that are out of alignment. A clear mold of your teeth slides over them, and over time your teeth shape to the mold. Clear aligners are transparent and are often more comfortable to wear in public and use than traditional braces.

Once the mold of your mouth is completed, we will work with you to determine both where your mouth is and where you want it to be. Our orthodontists will then create more molds that you will wear over the course of several months, with each mold further guiding the teeth into position in your mouth.

Picking A Treatment

The treatment for your teeth will largely depend on your budget, needs, and what we are bringing back into alignment. If your jaw is the problem, jaw surgery or orthopedic headgear will be the answer. For your teeth, you can pick between braces and clear aligners.

Whatever treatment you pick, you will be working closely with our orthodontist to make sure your mouth and teeth will get to where they need to be. We want to help you find the smile you desire.

We are here to answer any questions or concerns. To find out what type of treatment will work for you, visit Joshua M. Ignatowicz DMD & Associates or call 702-473-5100 to set up your appointment.