Braces vs. Direct to Consumer Smile Resources in Virginia Beach - Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser
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Braces vs. Direct to Consumer Smile Resources in Virginia Beach

Braces in Virginia Beach, VAThere are many factors to consider when first vetting out orthodontic treatments. You want to get the best bang for your buck, while also fixing any problems you may be having with your teeth, jaw and palate. Invisible aligners may be the more fashionable option, but it may not be the best option for your problems. Let’s lay out what each treatment does and see which option is best for you.

Braces vs. Aligners through Direct to Consumer Smile Resources 101

Both braces and aligners through the mail will straighten your teeth over time which will improve the aesthetics of your smile while improving your oral health. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets held together by wires and rubber bands. This treatment option has been around for quite a while and is a tried and true method to straightening the teeth and improving issues in the mouth. They require going to see a doctor regularly to ensure all your underlying problems are being solved. Aligners through the mail, on the other hand, don’t require regular doctor visits. While the invisible trays allow you more flexibility to eat what you want and are virtually undetectable to the eye, you can’t be sure you’re solving all the underlying problems in your teeth with the help of regular doctor visits.

Comparing the Two

The two often go head-to-head for their similarities, but there are a lot of differences between braces and invisible aligners. Let’s break things down even further and take a deeper look into these orthodontic contraptions.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are also known for their efficiency and efficacy. They often work faster at closing gaps and aligning the teeth than your average invisible aligners. While the average person spends 15 and 18 months, there’s a dramatic difference in the appearance of the teeth in that period of time. During this time, it’s crucial you don’t eat anything that may disrupt the brackets on your teeth, so anything too crunchy or sticky should be avoided. When wearing braces, you should see your orthodontist about every six weeks for regular maintenance. By going to your orthodontist regularly, you can ensure your smile not only looks good but is healthy as well.

Aligners through the Mail

The biggest factor people consider when getting aligners through the mail is the convenience. Everything is sent directly to your door and you don’t have to worry about making regular appointments with your orthodontist every two weeks for your new trays. Although this is more convenient than the waiting room, there’s no way of knowing that underlying problems in the teeth are getting solved without the help of a doctor. You gain convenience but sacrifice health benefits. This treatment happens to be less invasive than traditional braces and patients usually use them for an average of six to 18 months. However, this time will vary from case to case. You will also need to get your aligners remade every two weeks to help move along with the straightening process.

The Verdict

We understand this is a lot of information to take in and that the decision can be a hard one to make. Traditional braces may be a better option for you if you have more severe issues with your teeth. However, when you’re not making regular appointments to see your doctor, you can’t be sure your underlying issues are being addressed. It’s better to take the time to see your orthodontist on a regular basis to make sure your smile is not only pretty but also healthy.

If you are considering getting braces or invisible aligners and would like some more information about the two options, schedule an appointment with the doctors at Savage, Sabol & Visser Orthodontics. They’ll be able to go over the benefits and drawbacks of each option with you depending on your specific case.



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