Do you have crooked teeth or unsightly gaps in your smile? Misaligned teeth can make your teeth more difficult to clean, increasing the chances of tooth decay. They can even contribute to headaches and neck pain. Besides that, your confidence might be suffering because your teeth aren’t in their proper places. Orthodontics in Owasso can straighten out your pearly whites, improve your oral health, and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

How Orthodontics Work

In a nutshell, orthodontic devices work by applying light, constant pressure to your teeth. Eventually, this causes the teeth to move in a predictable way that doesn’t harm your mouth. The movement is possible thanks to the relationship between the periodontal ligament, which connects your tooth roots to your jawbone, and the bone itself.

The bond between your teeth and your jawbone is strong, but there is enough flexibility that orthodontics can makeover your mouth. Your care provider might suggest that you use either traditional metal braces or Invisalign to straighten your smile.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces use brackets and wires to reposition your teeth. They work well for correcting complex issues with teeth alignment, and because they’re in your mouth 24/7, you won’t need to worry about taking them out and putting them back in. They also cost less than Invisalign.

Braces do come with a few drawbacks, however. They’re very noticeable, so you may not like the way they affect your appearance. They also require that you visit your orthodontist about once a month for follow-up visits. Keeping your teeth clean when you have braces can be a challenge. On average, they take about two years to produce your new smile.

Invisalign

Many people have benefited from Invisalign in Owasso. Instead of brackets and wires, you use custom trays to move your teeth. The trays are removable, so you can eat, brush, and floss without working around them. Usually, Invisalign takes 12 to 16 months to complete it work. You’ll have to visit your dentist once every six weeks or so for follow-up visits, and you’ll change aligner trays about once every two weeks.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Invisalign is that it is limited in how much it can do. If your teeth are severely out of place, traditional braces may be a better option for you. The cost of Invisalign is another concern for people whose insurance won’t cover their orthodontic treatment.

Looking Forward to Your New Smile

Whether Invisalign or traditional metal braces will work better for you is something that you and your care provider can figure out together. Both are effective options that come with their own unique pros and cons. Whichever route you choose, you may be only a year or two away from a dazzlingly straight smile.

About the Author

Dr. Jayson Voto provides dental and orthodontic services to folks in the Owasso area. As a member of the American Orthodontic Society, he has the knowledge and experience necessary to help his patients achieve straight, beautiful smiles. If you have questions about braces, contact our office at 918-272-5381.