MIAMI, CORAL GABLES, BRICKELL AND MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – Dr. Stephen Grussmark witnesses daily the effects of an image-conscious society when we see patients who voice their opposition to traditional metal braces.
Many of our patients don’t want traditional braces, and educate themselves prior to their orthodontic consultation, frequently inquire about lingual braces or Invisalign. Miami orthodontics expert Grussmark, an Invisalign Elite Premier Provider, recently decided it was time to fully explain these two treatment methods, complete with benefits and drawbacks.
Lingual Braces
The technology behind lingual braces has been in existence for nearly 40 years. Instead of being bonded to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are fixed appliances bonded to the back of the teeth, which makes them unnoticeable to anyone but the wearer, Dr. Grussmark says. Some brands of lingual braces come in standard shapes and sizes, while others are custom-made to fit each individual patient’s teeth.
A great deal of progress has been made by some manufacturers of lingual braces in terms of shape and comfort to the wearer over the years. Lower profile options are available, which can provide a bit more comfort. However, discomfort for some patients remains a drawback.
“Adults who wear lingual braces sometimes complain about having braces on the back of their teeth because their tongue can be sensitive to the appliances,” Dr. Grussmark says.
Lingual braces also can- in cases where our patient’s teeth have been extracted and the space needs to be closed- expedite the positioning of the roots to allow them to become more parallel, says our orthodontist, Miami Invisalign expert Dr. Grussmark.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of clear, plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. They are virtually unnoticeable when you wear them.
“Lots of our patients view Invisalign as the ideal orthodontic treatment because others don’t notice the aligners when they’re worn, and they offer freedom in terms of diet,” Dr. Grussmark says. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, no food is off limits to you if you are undergoing Invisalign treatment.
The aligners are comfortable because they are made of a smooth, molded plastic. Treatment also can be completed quicker with Invisalign.
Although many professionals perceive Invisalign to have more benefits than lingual braces in orthodontics, Miami orthodontist Dr. Grussmark says there is at least one movement that may be best treated with bonded brackets rather than Invisalign. Root paralleling in extraction situations may be more efficient with bonded brackets.
If you are interested in orthodontic treatment that isn’t as noticeable as traditional braces, we recommend that you consult an orthodontist and undergo a complete evaluation so the orthodontist can determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Grussmark says.
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