Monthly Archives: September 2019

Metal Braces vs. Invisible Aligners

What are the differences between metal braces and invisible aligners? Straightening your teeth not only gives you an attractive and beautiful smile but also benefits your overall oral health. If you are looking for an orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, you probably find yourself stuck in choosing between the metal braces and clear aligners. Considering that, here is a list of things that you should know to choose the treatment that is best for you.

​Metal Braces vs. Invisalign: How They Are Different

While both the braces straighten your teeth and improve your oral health, you would think what makes them different. Well, it is based on the process of how they align your teeth. Remember that determining the most appropriate braces for you solely depends on your needs and preferences.

Metal Braces

Traditional braces are attached to the enamel of each of your tooth. The metal wires are crisscrossed through brackets, which help shape and mold your teeth. The wires used are sometimes of the same color as your teeth; it makes your braces less noticeable. However, you can also choose from different colors if you want to have a bit of fun with your braces.

Invisalign

If you don’t want your braces to be visible, then you must go for Invisalign. Made from BPA-free plastic, the aligner trays of Invisalign subtly move your teeth. Not to mention, the material used in Invisalign makes these braces smooth and comfortable. In place of mold, these braces contain a 3D image of your dental structure that configures aligner trays, making them the right fit.

Benefits of Metal Braces

Known as traditional braces, metal braces were once the very popular orthodontic treatment. Now that you have to choose the right braces for you, it is important for you to consider the benefits that make metal braces a good option.

Metal braces are irremovable, and they stay in their place. So, if you don’t want to change your trays frequently or are worried about losing your trays, then metal braces is a suitable option for you.

Since these braces are irremovable, they can give you the desired results faster than Invisalign. If you opt for metal braces, you will need to wear them for 24/7 and usually for about two years. When it comes to cleaning, metal braces require regular flossing and brushing.

For follow up visits, you will typically need to have a monthly checkup, where your skilled orthodontist will see the improvement and may adjust metal wires. Metal braces are generally recommended for patients with complex dental issues.

​Benefits of Invisalign

One of the major pros of clear aligners is that they are removable. The trays used can be removed, allowing you to eat without getting food stuck. Furthermore, Invisalign contains clear trays, making your braces virtually invisible to notice.

Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces since there are no brackets that may cause sores in your mouth. You will need to wear Invisalign for 24 hours a day and 6 to 18 months, depending on your needs.

Besides that, you will need to clean the aligners with a specified cleaning solution or by rinsing and brushing the trays in lukewarm water. With follow up visits, plan to see your orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks.

​The Main Takeaway

As mentioned before, choosing between metal braces or clear aligners completely depends on your needs and preferences.

Getting braces can be a challenge. When you decide to go for it, you want to get the most out of your decision. When the time comes to choose a top NYC orthodontist for your braces, call Manhattan Family Orthodontics.

Call Today: (646) 760-8028

Kids Braces: What to Expect

Some kids are excited about getting braces. Some of them may feel apprehensive at first. It’s okay if your child feels anxious before getting braces. Whatever your child feels before getting braces, it’s necessary that they know what to expect. You and your child must be aware of what they’ll get through when they have braces. Here’s everything you and your child need to know before getting their braces.

Why Does Your Child Need Braces?

Crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw are some reasons why kids get braces. Or they can have overlapping or overcrowding teeth. Braces are also used to treat the condition Malocclusion or a ‘bad bite’.  With Malocclusion, there’s a space difference between the jaws. With an underbite, the upper jaw slightly protrudes outward.

You need to understand first what exactly is wrong with your child’s teeth. Based on those answers, you’ll know which type of kids braces are fit for your child.

Types of Kids Braces

Following are the different types of kids braces:     

  • Metal Braces: These the traditional braces you’ve seen the most. They consist of metal bracket and wires. They are effective enough to straighten the misaligned and crooked teeth. Metal Braces are the cheapest ones.
  • Ceramic Braces: They are very similar to the metal braces except the brackets are tooth colored or clear ones, that blends with your teeth. They are less noticeable but quite costly.
  • Lingual Braces: They are the metal braces that fit inside or simply at the back of the teeth.
  • Invisalign: Also called as the invisible braces, they are a set of mouth like clear plastic aligners. They get replaced every two weeks and are not suitable to treat serious dental problems.
  • Headgear Braces: These braces are attached with an orthodontic appliance at the back of the head. Such braces are used when a greater pulling force is required to correct the teeth.

What Happens During the First Visit

It’s better that you and your child know what can happen on the first orthodontist visit.The orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth and will let you know whether they need braces or not. Your orthodontist will decide better what type of process your child needs and how long the process will go for them.

If the orthodontist feels that there should be more spaces in your child’s teeth for braces, they won’t add the braces right away. They’ll first add rubber band like tiny bands in between your child’s teeth to create space.

Then your orthodontist must design the perfect set of braces for your child. They’ll take an impression of your child’s teeth and gums by inserting a gooey gum-like material into your child’s teeth. Your child will finally get their braces on.

Dealing with Pain

At first, your child’s braces will pain a lot. Your child must know that no pain means no gain.The pain is an indication that the braces have begun aligning the teeth. Eating pain killers and soft foods like ice cream can help relieve your child’s discomfort.

Your child may find the ends of braces, causing discomfort when in contact with the gums. Covering the ends with wax will prevent the ache in gums. It will take a week or two until your child is set on their braces. With time they will not feel any pain or discomfort.

Taking Care of Braces

Once your child gets their braces, it’s important that they take good care of them.Food easily gets stuck in the braces. Your child must brush their teeth after every meal. Regular flossing is important to ensure the braces and teeth are clean.

You should have your kid avoid foods like popcorn, gum, hard and overly sweet candies that can damage the braces. Sugary sodas and juices too can be a problem as they can cause tooth decay. When your child has braces, they need to take extra care of their oral hygiene.

Get the Best Orthodontist

First priority when starting the process for kids braces is getting a highly qualified and trained orthodontist. You want someone to take good care of your child’s teeth and provide the best treatment with the least discomfort.

Get the best orthodontist for kids braces in NYC. Our orthodontists are skilled in dealing with children and making the whole process fun.

Call today for a consultation:

Manhattan Family Orthodontics
(646) 760-8028