If you’ve ever had braces and are now considering options for your kids, or if you’re finally having tooth straightening done yourself, then things may not be as you remember them. Sure, you can still get yourself or your child traditional metal braces—the ones that had to be tightened, with which you couldn’t chew gum and that got you called “metal mouth” by the mean kids—but you should know that there are other options out there. According to general and emergency dentist Mark Stephens DMD, one of the fastest growing and most effective newer treatments involves the use of progressive Invisalign retainers.

So how do these differ from traditional braces? Dr. Stephens breaks it down for you:

• Aesthetics: The clear aligners of the Invisalign system are hard to see; you or your child don’t have to worry about the unsightliness of teeth with braces.
• Comfort: Each Invisalign retainer is molded exactly to your teeth and does not rely on uncomfortable wires or brackets to work.
• Cleaning: Since Invisalign retainers are removable, cleaning is made much more efficient and easy.
• Eating: With traditional braces, it’s recommended that patients steer clear of certain foods, like hard candies, gums or taffies. The fact that you can remove Invisalign retainers before you eat makes it such that there are no dietary restrictions.

Naturally, if you are considering straightening with Invisalign and are in the Richmond, KY area, Mark Stephens DMD is the perfect choice. The emphasis of his practice is to ensure not only that patients feel comfortable accessing a broad range of services, but that costs are kept at a minimum. Learn more about the Invisalign straightening system or the many other treatments offered by Dr. Stephens by checking out this dentist’s website, or by calling (859) 626-0069. Before long, you’ll never need to hide that beautiful smile ever again!