Your smile plays a big role in your confidence and overall mental health. If you don’t love your smile, chances are you are keeping a piece of yourself hidden. It’s never too late to give yourself the smile of your dreams and protect the integrity of your oral health. In honor of National Orthodontics Month, Agnini Family Dental is here to answer a few questions you might have along your orthodontic journey. The first question, where should you start? You have likely heard of Invisalign and you know about traditional braces, but which option is the best for you? Let’s straighten a few things out regarding the differences between Invisalign and Damon braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a form of clear aligners that are fitted specifically for your mouth. They are devices used by orthodontists as a plastic form of braces used to adjust teeth. One of the appeals is that they are considered to be more attractive than traditional braces. Since Invisalign is clear, it’s easier to hide for those that are self-conscious. It is also extremely convenient because you are able to remove them. This means no food getting caught in your braces while you eat and you are able to thoroughly brush your teeth! They are also more comfortable than traditional braces.
Along with many great advantages, it’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. While Invisalign might seem like the sought-after option, especially for adults, there are certain conditions that Invisalign can’t properly treat.
Invisalign doesn’t have the same force and capabilities to move teeth as Damon braces. Therefore, complex orthodontic treatment or cases that require significant movement of teeth need Damon braces, not Invisalign to achieve the desired outcome.
What Invisalign can fix:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Normal overbites and underbites
- Open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not meet
- Crowded teeth, allowing for better spacing between teeth
What Invisalign can’t fix:
- Large gaps between teeth as there is a 6mm limit of spacing that Invisalign can address
- Facial structure issues such as TMJ
- Intrusion and Extrusion: Sometimes a tooth needs to be moved up higher or lower in the mouth
- Previous dental work such as bridges, crowns, or veneers
- Severe overbite
Damon Braces
Over the years, the transformation of braces has come a long way! The Damon system is a form of braces that uses self-ligation. This means that the brackets have a component that keeps them attached to the wire. A benefit similar to Invisalign is that the brackets can be clear. This can be a big confidence booster while wearing braces. Another advantage of Damon braces is that they are more hygienic. They require fewer components in your mouth making it easier to brush and floss. This will help decrease the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
Besides perfecting your smile and instilling a renewed sense of self-confidence, another benefit of Damon braces is that they are used to correct other oral health issues. For example, many people who suffer from structural issues such as TMJ will need Damon braces. In most cases of TMJ, this is the most effective form of treatment as the jaw needs to be manipulated to move forward slightly. They also help many adults with dental issues that strain the jaw and muscles and in turn suffer from migraines and severe headaches.
To completely evaluate all of your options for orthodontic treatment, please contact Agnini Family Dental. Our team can recommend the best treatment plan specifically designed for you!