Invisalign

Straight Talk: Making the Decision – Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Article by Remarkable Smiles

The decision to embark on the journey towards a straighter smile often comes with the need to choose between Invisalign and traditional braces. As orthodontic technology advances, individuals are presented with more options, making the decision-making process both exciting and challenging. In this article, we will engage in a straightforward discussion, weighing the pros and cons of Invisalign versus traditional braces, helping you make an informed decision aligned with your unique preferences and orthodontic needs.

Aesthetic Considerations:

Invisalign:

Pros: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, offering a discreet orthodontic solution. This makes them an attractive option for individuals who prefer a less noticeable approach to straightening their teeth.

Cons: While Invisalign aligners are discreet, their success depends on the wearer’s commitment to wearing them consistently. Deviating from the recommended wearing schedule may impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

Traditional Braces:

Pros: Traditional braces, with their metal brackets and wires, may be more noticeable, but they remain a reliable and effective method for correcting various orthodontic issues.

Cons: The visibility of traditional braces can be a concern for individuals who prioritize aesthetics. However, advancements in technology have led to smaller and more streamlined braces in recent years.

Comfort and Maintenance:

Invisalign:

Pros: Invisalign aligners are known for their comfort, with no wires or brackets that may cause oral irritation. Additionally, they are removable, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing without obstruction.

Cons: Some individuals may experience initial discomfort or speech adjustments when transitioning to a new set of aligners. Additionally, the responsibility of consistently wearing and removing the aligners lies with the patient.

Traditional Braces:

Pros: Traditional braces are effective for various orthodontic issues, and patients generally adapt to the sensation of wearing them over time.

Cons: Maintaining oral hygiene with traditional braces requires extra care due to the presence of brackets and wires. Regular adjustments by the orthodontist are necessary, which may lead to temporary discomfort.

Treatment Duration:

Invisalign:

Pros: Invisalign treatment durations vary, but some individuals experience shorter treatment times compared to traditional braces due to the technology’s predictability in tooth movement.

Cons: Treatment duration is contingent on patient compliance. Failure to consistently wear the aligners may extend the overall treatment period.

Traditional Braces:

Pros: Traditional braces are effective for comprehensive orthodontic correction, but treatment durations may be longer in certain cases.

Cons: Regular adjustments are required, and the overall treatment period may vary based on the complexity of the case.

The decision between Invisalign and traditional braces boils down to personal preferences, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs. Both options have their merits, and advancements in orthodontic technology continue to enhance the effectiveness and comfort of both Invisalign and traditional braces. Consulting with an experienced orthodontist is pivotal in making an informed decision tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring a successful and satisfying orthodontic journey towards achieving a straighter smile.

Dr. Mark Rashidi and the dedicated team at Remarkable Smiles are committed to enhancing your smile. As a reputable Orthodontist in Mission Viejo, Dr. Mark extends his services to neighboring cities, including, Mission Viejo,  Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Irvine. With extensive expertise in various orthodontic treatments, Dr. Mark specializes in offering personalized solutions such as Invisalign, traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces to cater to the unique needs of each patient. Your journey to a remarkable smile is in capable hands with Dr. Mark Rashidi and his experienced staff.

Invisalign

What To Expect When Getting Braces

Article by Remarkable Smiles

Is there any pain or discomfort associated with wearing braces? is one of the most often asked questions concerning braces. The truth is that applying braces to the teeth does not hurt, therefore there is no need to worry about the placement appointment.

After the orthodontic wire is inserted into the freshly installed brackets, there may be some little tightness or discomfort for a few days to a week. The first four to seven days after the placement of their braces, expanders, and/or wires, as well as following a wire adjustment and/or activation appointment, are usually uncomfortable for the majority of patients. One to two weeks may be needed for your lips and cheeks to adjust to the braces on your teeth.

All of the wires and appliances we utilize are state-of-the-art and exert very gentle, continuous stresses that are physiologically sound, considerably reducing any soreness related to orthodontic treatment. However, some minor discomfort—rarely moderate—is still to be anticipated.

Each individual will progressively get used to the pain brought on by the orthodontic tooth movement. In addition to a strict routine of salt water rinses, over-the-counter painkillers that are often given for headaches can be utilized to significantly reduce the agony.

Archwire adjustments, metal or elastic ties around the braces, adjustments, and tracking the course of orthodontic therapy all require regular orthodontic sessions. The teeth are progressively moved into a new and proper alignment as a result of the use of braces, thus moderate activations may be used during your routine checkups.

Dr. Mark Rashidi and his staff at Remarkable Smiles are ready to help your orthodontic journey. He is an Orthodontist in Lake Forest, serving surrounding cities, including Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Irvine. Dr. Mark is highly experienced in all braces, including Invisalign, traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces.

Invisalign

Why Retainers Are Not as Effective as Dental Braces

Article by Remarkable Smiles

Some people may think the terms retainer and dental braces are interchangeable, but any experienced dentist or orthodontist can tell you why these two terms don’t mean the same thing. Retainers may look similar to dental braces, but they are not designed for the same purpose. This is why retainers cannot solve the most severe dental problems, such as malocclusion (misaligned bite), dental overcrowding, overbites, and underbites.

Retainers have several key differences from dental braces. Unlike dental braces, they are not designed to be worn 24/7. They are designed for easy removal during tasks such as eating and brushing teeth. Because they are made from less sturdy materials and not attached to patients’ teeth using tight wires and/or glue, retainers do not exert as much pressure on your teeth.

For this reason, retainers are inadequate for fixing severe tooth misalignment. They may be capable of fixing one or two misaligned teeth, but retainers are most effective as a post-dental brace treatment. Orthodontists often prescribe retainers to keep patients’ teeth aligned as their gums and teeth recover after years of using dental braces. Retainers may not be the best for moving teeth, but they are effective at preventing teeth from moving.

Dental patients will likely need the counsel of an experienced dentist or orthodontist before choosing the right treatment for their dental issues. Be sure to consult with a dental professional to find out if a retainer or dental braces are adequate to treat your misalignment.

About Remarkable Smiles

Remarkable Smiles is the orthodontic practice of Dr. Mark Rashidi, a Mission Viejo orthodontist who specializes both in orthodontics and orthopedic facial surgery. If you have been looking for an orthodontist in Lake Forest, Irvine, or Laguna Hills, make the short drive to Mission Viejo for expert orthodontic services delivered with care and proficiency.

Invisalign

What Are Your Reasons for Not Visiting the Orthodontist?

Article By Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  

Few people are born with completely straight teeth; therefore parents frequently take their children to an orthodontist before they reach the age of ten. Adults, too, are becoming more interested in dental braces. The first step, if you’re interested, is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Your orthodontist will provide recommendations regarding which types of braces will work best to meet your goals after chatting with you and doing a comprehensive assessment.

People have a variety of reasons for not visiting an orthodontist. Some people assume braces are too expensive or uncomfortable to consider, so they don’t even look into it. But times have changed, and there is now a great many alternatives and approaches to dealing with crooked teeth.

Dental veneers are a popular option that may work for some people, but dental braces are the most common treatment to correct crooked and misaligned teeth. You can get the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted with dental braces, and it generally only takes from one to two years.

Braces for teeth have come a long way. There are numerous options available nowadays. There are multicolored retainers that glow in the dark, clear aligners, metal braces and many other options for individuals considering braces. Wires, bands, and other fixed or removable corrective devices are used with dental braces. They work by progressively moving teeth in certain directions by exerting constant pressure over a period of time.

Article written by Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics. All your orthodontic needs can be met at Remarkable Smiles. Dr. Mark Rashidi and his staff serve Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Dana Point, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, and other regions with services like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, porcelain braces, and Invisalign.

Invisalign

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Teeth with Invisalign?

Article By Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  

Though you may not have been born with a perfect smile, there are some excellent ways of correcting that. In past years, everyone had to use traditional braces. Though these do work well at correcting problems with your teeth, they can be uncomfortable. Many people complain about the discomfort and the visual look. This is often the least expensive option, however. With traditional braces, you could get good results within about 18 to 24 months.

If you’re looking for something comfortable and barely noticeable, then Invisalign is the solution. Some people have gotten the desired result in one year though each patient is different. This is a great idea and people will barely notice that you’re wearing braces. There’s not much pain and discomfort here but this is one of the more pricey types of braces.

There are several other options available, such as ceramic braces. These are more like traditional braces but the material used is mostly transparent. They aren’t as noticeable or uncomfortable as traditional braces. You kind of get the best of both worlds. These take about 18 months to get the results you’re looking for.

If you’re not sure which to choose, then talk to your orthodontist and he or she can help you decide.

Article written by Remarkable Smiles Orthodontics.  Remarkable Smiles has excellent dentists and technicians available for care. Dr. Mark Rashidi offers dental braces in mission viejo and dental braces in Irvine. His office also serves surrounding cities including Lake Forest and Laguna Niguel.