If your teeth are crooked, straightening them will improve both your confidence and your dental health, as crowded teeth are harder to clean. However, if you're ready to invest in your smile, you'll have to choose between two main treatment options: traditional braces or Invisalign®. Learn more about each choice below to make the best decision for you.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that cover your teeth to straighten your smile. To create them, your dentist will take a mold or scan of your mouth, then use a computer-aided design to plan a series of aligners. Each one will push your teeth a little closer toward your goal.

Invisalign aligners are removable, and you can take them out for two to four hours every day, meaning you don't have to wear them when you eat or take pictures. Even if you leave them in, they're difficult to see, so you can be confident about your smile throughout the process.

Braces

Braces are made of small brackets cemented to each tooth, with wire connecting them. Your dentist will tighten the wire during each appointment to gradually pull your teeth into position. They may also use small rubber bands to create tension.

The brackets themselves can be colored, or they can be white or clear to make them less noticeable. Braces aren't easily removable, and they stay on until your treatment is done, which may make them easier to manage. They're also often the most cost-effective option, and they can correct some alignment issues that are too difficult for Invisalign to treat.

If you’re ready to choose between braces and Invisalign, contact Syracuse Straight Smiles. Family dentist Michael Grossman got his start teaching other dentists how to provide Six Month Smiles service, and he now applies that expertise directly to patients in the Syracuse and Onondaga County areas of New York. He’s also thorough about following up after a procedure to make sure you're satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, reach out on their website or call (315) 628-8373.