Do you have crooked, gapped, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth and are looking for an effective treatment? Do you suffer from malocclusions, such as an underbite, overbite, or a crossbite? Dr. Andrew Tran can offer effective treatment for your concerns with traditional braces or Invisalign® clear braces at 5 Star Dentists. Patients are often confused about which option to choose: traditional braces with brackets and metal wires or clear aligners offered by Invisalign®. The type of treatment you choose for straightening your teeth and for achieving a flawless smile depends on a range of factors, including your dental requirements and lifestyle. Dr. Tran can explain the differences between braces and Invisalign® at his Houston or Sugar Land, TX, office during a consultation.
About Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces have been used for many years to correct a range of orthodontic concerns, and continue to be offered by dentists since they provide greater control over the final outcome. Dr. Tran uses "Dr. Gerety's Straight Wire" technique to correct a range of concerns for both adults and children. These braces help patients achieve a straight, aesthetically superior smile over a period of two to two and a half years.
Dr. Tran also treats young children, especially if they have a crossbite. A crossbite should be addressed as soon as possible, since it can harm growth of the jawbone. Dr. Tran can determine whether your child needs braces during the initial consultation, and help set your child on a path of optimal oral health.
About Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces that straightens minor crowding or misalignment. The treatment involves a series of nearly invisible aligners that the patient wears for a minimum of 22 hours every day. The aligners can be removed for cleaning and eating.
Apart from the conventional Invisalign® treatment, Dr. Tran also offers Invisalign Express® for accelerated results and Invisalign Teen® for young adults.
Dr. Tran will use a digital scanner to take precise and accurate images of your smile which are then sent to the Invisalign® laboratory to fabricate your set of aligners. The entire process is guided by computer technology. Patients will wear each tray of aligners for a couple of weeks and then move to the new tray of the series as teeth gradually shift into place.
Patients can achieve a straighter smile in typically seven to nine months without the use of metal wires or braces. Apart from the conventional Invisalign® treatment, Dr. Tran also offers Invisalign Express® for accelerated results for minor orthodontic issues and Invisalign Teen®, made especially for young adults. In addition, Invisalign® is often incorporated into custom smile makeover treatment plans.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign® vs. Braces
While Invisalign® aligners score over traditional braces in being an inconspicuous method of straightening teeth, Invisalign® cannot address all orthodontic concerns. For complex cases, wires and brackets remain the dependable option. Also, while Invisalign® trays can be removed easily for eating, brushing, flossing, or taking photos, it is imperative that the patient wear them for at least 22 hours each day, otherwise the teeth move back into their original position.
Learn More about Your Options
Dr. Tran and his team will take their time to educate patients about each option, and prescribe a treatment according to what is suitable for their oral health needs, budget, and lifestyle. If you want to learn which teeth straightening option is best suited for you, call 5 Star Dentists at (832) 831-5417 or send us a message.
