Orthodontic Braces: Metal Braces vs Invisalign

Metal Braces were the only ones available for straightening misaligned teeth while enhancing the smile and over all oral health.  But in 2000, Invisalign was introduced as another Orthondotic option having an advantage aesthetic-wise.

Braces were made up of metal brackets  glued on to the surface of the teeth and made up of intertwined wires and elastic bands. Now, you can match these colorful elastic bands with your nail polish or lipstick as part of the teenagers’ fashion statement.

Invisalign was designed to provide the same function as the conventional metal braces but being more aesthetically acceptable since this no longer use metal wires but instead, these aligners are made invisible plastic yet functions exactly the same as the metal braces. Just imagine how much self-esteem of teenagers has been lost.  They feel being an outcast because of those metal wires and have been the center of being made fun of, and worse, being bullied. But with Invisalign, it is like not wearing anything at all!

Prior to any orthodontic procedures,  the following are needed for  proper assessment on how to treat misaligned teeth. And this consists of:

Ø  Taking of Medical History

Ø  Oral Exam

Ø  Facial and Intraoral Photographs

Ø  Study Casts

Ø  Panoramic Xray

Ø  Cephalogram