Board-certified orthodontist Chris Murphy, DDS with Murphy Orthodontics explains the benefits of Invisalign® and traditional braces, and why one may be a more ideal option than the other in certain cases.
Phoenix, AZ – Orthodontic treatments are popular among both adolescents and adults alike, offering ways to help children develop straighter teeth and to correct bite irregularities, while doing the same for older generations who would like to enhance the look of their smiles. Dr. Chris Murphy, a board-certified orthodontist in Phoenix and the Goodyear area, says advances over the last few decades have made treatment with traditional braces a better experience and produced entirely new techniques, such as Invisalign®. With that in mind, Dr. Murphy says it’s important for individuals considering their options to know the many differences between braces and Invisalign® and why one may be more ideal than the other, depending on the circumstances.
Both braces and Invisalign® are designed to address misalignment, gaps and spaces between the teeth, crowded teeth, and bite concerns such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite; however, they differ significantly in their approach. Traditional braces utilize a system of brackets affixed to the teeth and connected by thin wires. This technique can progressively move the teeth into a more desirable position, closing spaces and providing crowded teeth with a bit more room. Braces have been a standard orthodontic treatment for both children and adults for many years, and are often required for more severe cases of misalignment and bite irregularities. By contrast, Invisalign® uses a series of aligners made out of a flexible, translucent plastic material. The aligners come in a series of several sets, each being worn for about two weeks and then changed out for the next. Subsequent aligners in the series are slightly modified from the ones before them, allowing for gentle, progressive movement of the teeth into a new position. Dr. Murphy notes that, for less severe orthodontic conditions, Invisalign® offers many of the same benefits as braces, enabling patients to correct a variety of common concerns in a way that is said to be more comfortable than braces, and certainly more discreet.
Dr. Murphy says patients often consider Invisalign® over braces due to the fact that the aligners are virtually unnoticeable. They are also removable while eating and drinking, and many patients are able to achieve optimal results in less time when compared with traditional braces. While the advantages of Invisalign® may sound overwhelming, Dr. Murphy explains that, in some cases, braces actually present the better option. He notes that some patients may have orthodontic conditions that are too severe for Invisalign® to be effective, and the most important thing is to choose a treatment that has the best chance of achieving exceptional results. For patients concerned about the appearance of braces on their teeth, Dr. Murphy says there are less noticeable types of braces available, including clear braces and lingual braces, that can reduce their visibility.
Dr. Murphy advises that the best way for an individual to determine whether braces or Invisalign® is the ideal orthodontic treatment for their needs is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation. He says both techniques have distinct advantages, and the ultimate goal is to create a customized treatment plan that can successfully correct one’s unique concerns with long-term results.
About Chris Murphy, DDS
Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Chris Murphy is the head of Murphy Orthodontics, with offices in the Phoenix/Scottsdale and Goodyear area. He has been recognized as a Top Orthodontist in Phoenix Magazine. Dr. Murphy is an Invisalign® Top 1% Provider and a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and many other dental and orthodontic organizations. He is also a Recognized Specialist at the Kois Center. Murphy Orthodontics offers an extensive array of treatments for both adults and children, including options for mild to severe teeth misalignment, bite irregularities, and jaw conditions. Dr. Murphy is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Murphy and his practice, please visit murphyorthodontics.com and facebook.com/MurphyOrthodontics.
Contact:
Murphy Orthodontics
Phoenix/Scottsdale Office:
5355 East High Street
Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(602) 482-0022
Goodyear Office:
14553 W. Indian School Road
#100
Goodyear, AZ 85395
(623) 932-9212
Rosemont Media
(800) 491-8623
www.rosemontmedia.com