Just about everyone knows the basics of metal braces. You can use them to fix gaps and alignment issues in teeth. While millions of children have used traditional metal braces, they are versatile and powerful enough so adults can benefit, too. Plus, there are many kinds to choose from.
Some are even designed to be more subtle and stylish so they fit in with your personal look.
But did you know there’s an alternative?
There are two major brands of clear aligners you might be able to use instead of braces.
Why Do Some People Choose Clear Aligners Instead of Traditional Braces?
Metal braces are a must-have for the most serious orthodontic problems in Port Orange.
But if your issue is a little less severe, clear aligners might be right for you. Sometimes, patients can get even faster results from clear aligners than they would from braces. Dr. Beauchamp will let you know if clear aligners are an option for you and what to expect if you go for them.
For those who qualify, appearance is the biggest factor that makes clear aligners attractive.
Clear aligners are so subtle, most people won’t even be able to tell you have them. This makes them great for image-conscious teens, but they are also appreciated by many adults. The fact you can see right through them makes it easier to notice the changes in the mirror as time goes on.
Convenience is another issue that points many people in the direction of clear aligners!
With metal braces, you need to be careful of certain foods and should skip some entirely. Gum and sticky candy are especially troublesome. Some hard or chewy foods can also create a risk of loose or poking wires. If you use aligners, you can remove them when you need to for eating or cleaning.
But that doesn’t mean all aligners are exactly the same. There are big differences!
Two of the popular clear aligner brands stand head and shoulders over the rest. You have probably heard of Invisalign® clear aligners because they have been around the longest. But there’s also the newer Spark™ aligner that is gaining quickly in popularity all over the United States.
Let’s take a look at each of them and the unique advantages they bring to the table.
The Benefits of Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Most people know about Invisalign® clear aligners because they have a long history. In fact, they were first made in 1998. That history of more than 20 years of success means there’s plenty of data behind them. Orthodontists can tell with a very high degree of certainty who will get the best results with them.
So, one of the features they are best known for is their reliability. But that’s not all.
Invisalign® differs from the rest when it comes to its materials and construction. It uses patented technology in the form of the SmartTrack system. With SmartTrack, you can expect a high level of durability without feeling restricted in the way your teeth and mouth can move. Invisalign® is very comfortable for most patients.
When it comes to the actual performance of the treatment, Invisalign® has a terrific track record. Patients will often get results from Invisalign® even faster than they would if they used conventional braces instead. Invisalign® has been proven safe and effective for patients from teens to adults.
One thing to watch out for with Invisalign® is the fact that many dentists have trained with it over the years, but not all of them are orthodontists. Orthodontists are the only specialists with the detailed knowledge needed to treat the alignment of the teeth. Always be sure you are working with an orthodontist you trust.
The Benefits of Spark™ Clear Aligners
Spark™ clear aligners are much newer and many people have not even heard of them yet – but they should!
Spark™ first reached the market in 2020, so the technology is brand new. Compared to some of the common alternatives, only a handful of dentists are fully qualified in the technique and technology. What’s more, only orthodontists use Spark™ – so you can be assured of the highest level of quality if you choose it.
Spark™ has its own proprietary materials that give it excellent performance in two key ways.
First of all, it is even thinner and clearer than the alternatives. That makes the appearance of the aligners more subtle. If you want to have the absolute best aesthetics available in an aligner, then Spark™ is the one for you. You may not even be able to notice them when you look in the mirror yourself!
Spark™ is also much more resistant to stains than a lot of competing products. Granted, this may or may not be an issue. But if you drink a lot of coffee or wine, you might want the extra level of protection granted by these virtually stain-proof aligners. This is another step toward even better appearance.
The entire system is designed for faster and more reliable movement of teeth into the final treated position. So far, the results are extremely promising. However, it is still too early to say whether or not Spark™ will have faster results on average than its major competitors. Every patient and every smile is different!
To Enjoy the Best Clear Aligners, Come to Beauchamp Orthodontics
With years of experience, Dr. Marielle Beauchamp has helped hundreds of patients as the Port Orange orthodontist of choice when it’s time to pick out clear aligners. No matter your age, how serious your condition is, or what treatment you’ve received in the past, Dr. Beauchamp can help you.
As an orthodontist trained to work with both the Invisalign® and Spark™ techniques, Dr. Beauchamp knows more about these aligners than virtually anyone else in Florida. She will help you make sure you get all of the advantages of whichever one you pick!
That will include:
1. A Custom Set of Aligners
With either brand, your aligners are completely customized to fit your teeth and mouth. This not only makes sure your teeth can realign safely and easily, but makes the whole process more convenient. Most patients have completely adjusted to their aligners within a week and do not report any side effects.
2. Unbeatable Convenience
With either brand you choose, you have the opportunity to take your aligners out when you need to. Yes, you will have them in place for more than 20 hours a day. But if you want to remove them briefly to clean them, eat, or play sports that require a mouthguard, you never have to worry about compromising your treatment.
3. The Best Follow-Up Care
No aligner product works on its own without continuing care. As a patient with Beauchamp Orthodontics, you can be sure you are in good hands. During follow-up appointments, Dr. Beauchamp will verify the treatment is working as intended and update your aligners as necessary for continued results.
To get started with clear aligners in Port Orange, schedule a consultation.
