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Clear Aligners: an Alternative to Metal Braces

Now that clear aligners are available as an alternative, a mouth full of metal braces has become a last resort. 

If you or a family member have decided it’s time to straighten those pearly whites, there are many advantages to clear aligners. 

Portrait Of Female Designer Standing In Modern Office.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Everyone’s teeth are different. So are the solutions for teeth straightening. 

However, there is an easy rule of thumb for teeth straightening: For severely crooked teeth, metal braces are usually best for repairing difficult alignments and straightening. 

For everybody else, there are clear aligners. Here at Dr. Frahm’s office, we are partial to Invisalign® clear aligners. Invisalign does an incredible job of straightening your teeth, closing gaps, and aligning your bite, all while enhancing the function and health of your mouth.

For people who require minor teeth straightening, clear aligners are usually the best option. 

Clear aligners are good for your mouth

Clear aligners are more comfortable than braces. That’s because clear aligners don’t have brackets and wires that can irritate your gums and mouth tissue like braces do. 

Clear aligners are aesthetically pleasing

Clear aligners like Invisalign are nearly invisible (hence the name). They are made of clear plastic and molded to fit your teeth. They may be mostly inconspicuous, but they are still effective. 

Clear aligners can straighten teeth as well as braces

Clear aligners are highly effective at straightening mildly crooked teeth. Aligners work by repositioning your teeth into place by applying gentle pressure. And clear aligners provide long-lasting results.

Clear aligners make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene

Although good oral hygiene is a must for all patients, it’s easy to keep teeth clean if you wear clear aligners. Clear aligners can simply be removed before brushing and flossing. Braces, on the other hand, can trap food and plaque and flossing between the metal wires takes special care.

Clear aligners work quickly

Invisalign treatment works to straighten mildly crooked teeth more quickly than braces. This is due to the all-around force of the aligners across the whole tooth. However, it’s important to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day for the quickest results. And, depending upon the amount of correction you need, you can expect your treatment to last anywhere from three to 24 months. 

Want to learn more? Find out How Invisalign Works.

Consult with Dr. Frahm to find out if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. For more information about clear aligners and braces, visit the link below. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm | Alternative to Metal Braces

Why do you need a dental crown?

With all the dental care options today, why do you need a dental crown?

Time and wear can erode tooth enamel and cause teeth to lose their shape. Other times, a dental mishap can cause a tooth to break or crack. In this case, Dr. Jayne will recommend a crown to protect the integrity of your tooth by preserving the tooth’s natural structure. Crowns are sometimes used to restore your tooth’s appearance, especially in cases of noticeable wear.

 

The many reasons a dental crown is needed

There are a few other reasons dental crowns are put into place:

  1. To protect a tooth from breaking or cracking further
  2. To restore a broken or worn-down tooth
  3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
  4. To hold a dental bridge in place
  5. To cover a severely discolored or misshaped tooth
  6. To cover a dental implant
  7. To cover a tooth that’s had a root canal

How dental crowns are made

Dental crowns are made from a number of different materials, each with different benefits. You’ll find that most dentists create permanent crowns from metal, composite resin, ceramic, or porcelain.

As a holistic dentistry practice, we prefer porcelain crowns for many reasons. Porcelain is a non-toxic dental material that is better for your health. It works with the body’s natural systems, making it a biocompatible material that naturally adheres to your DNA. It’s also five times stronger than your natural teeth. Unlike some other materials used in crowns, porcelain can also be matched to the exact color of your teeth.

Metals like gold, platinum, nickel, or base-metal alloy crowns are commonly used for out-of-sight molars. These metals are incredibly strong and long-lasting and rarely break. However, metals aren’t for everyone. They are not the color of natural teeth and for some people, they cause allergic reactions and other side-effects.

Composite resin crowns are a popular option since they are less expensive than other materials. The downside is they are more likely to crack and wear down more quickly.

Ceramic is a beautiful option with a natural color match which works well for teeth in the front and back.

 

How long does a dental crown last?

Porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, and metal dental crowns are permanent. If they are well taken care of, crowns made of these materials can last between five and 15 years. However, there are a few factors that can shorten the lifespan of your permanent crown. Poor dental hygiene or habits like grinding or clenching teeth or nail biting can wear crowns down more quickly.

If you have current dental health needs, Dr. Jayne’s holistic approach to dental care keeps your long-term wellness in mind. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options.

Bellevue Dentist