Invisalign® Alternatives
Individuals who are struggling with crooked teeth, gapped teeth, or other misalignment problems often seek out Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign corrects the position of the teeth and realigns the jaw by advancing patients through a series of clear plastic aligner trays that apply subtle pressure. Invisalign aligners are comfortable and discreet, making them more convenient than traditional braces in many ways.
While many of the patients we see at Brooklyn Heights Dental would prefer Invisalign treatment, they are not all ideal candidates for this technique. Fortunately, we do offer Invisalign alternatives that allow individuals from Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas to get the straight, attractive smile they desire.
Traditional Braces
Invisalign is an advanced technique that addresses malocclusion problems without brackets or wires. Invisalign can correct many of the same issues as braces, but not all. If a person suffers from certain bite conditions, if malocclusion problems are severe, or if they worry that they will not be as consistent as they need to be with Invisalign aligners, they may be better candidates for braces.
Braces have a reputation for being bulky and uncomfortable, but modern braces offer patients more discreet options. At Brooklyn Heights Dental, patients can undergo treatment with tooth-colored braces. These braces are usually made up of tooth-colored brackets and clear wires. Tooth-colored braces offer the control and effectiveness of traditional braces, but many consider them to be more attractive.
Porcelain Veneers
Just as there are those people who have advanced malocclusion problems that may not respond well to Invisalign treatment, there are also those with superficial issues that may not require repositioning of the teeth or jaw. Sometimes crooked or gapped teeth are merely cosmetic in nature, meaning that they don’t negatively affect a patient’s oral health or functions. Although Invisalign can correct problems like these, treatment would take many months, and there may be a better alternative.
When patients want to enhance the appearance of their smile by addressing minor malocclusion problems, they may be ideal candidates for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal aesthetic imperfections, including overcrowding, dental gaps, and crooked teeth. These restorations improve the appearance of the smile in as little as two dental appointments. Porcelain veneers are durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear, and can last for 10 years or more, so they provide patients with long-lasting teeth straightening results.
Finding the Right Treatment
Every tooth straightening treatment offers its own advantages and drawbacks. It is important that people consider all aspects of a treatment so that they choose a technique that meets their goals and desires. However, it is equally important that patients choose a treatment that can meet their dental needs, and that is where our doctors come in. Our dental team thoroughly examines the teeth and jaw to fully understand the type and degree of malocclusion problems that are present. We consider this information, along with the patient’s personal preferences, to customize a treatment plan that will most effectively give patients the smile they are looking for.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
If you’d like more information about Invisalign or the alternatives that are offered at Brooklyn Heights Dental, our doctors would be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can send a message to our staff or call (718) 857-6639 to schedule an appointment.
