M.Y. Dental Spa offers caring, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care for patients in the Midtown Manhattan area. The dental team at this general and cosmetic dentistry practice has a strong commitment to ensuring that all patients receive the care they need for a beautiful smile while feeling as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The team at M.Y. Dental Spa offers more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, along with pain-free dental care and a welcoming environment. Haute Beauty expert Dr. Mimi Yeung explains the differences between braces and Invisalign emphasizing one common goal: a smile transformation.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockWhat is orthodontics?

Orthodontics deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth and jaw with malpositioned, misalignment of bite patterns.

Why choose Invisalign over braces?

Invisalign has cosmetic advantages over braces in that patients will not be wearing unsightly wires, brackets, and such, but also you may suffer from sores on your cheeks and tongue caused by them. It is more convenient for upkeep and better oral hygiene with Invisalign. Most people would prefer not to have remnants of their meal making an appearance on their braces when they are busy going through the workday.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Age should not be a deterrent when considering one’s oral health. Optimizing our oral health through proper teeth and jaw alignment has long-term benefits.

Do braces work faster than Invisalign?

The length of time for each treatment varies from patient to patient. In my opinion, it is possible to reach the treatment goal sooner than that of braces, but it is case-dependent. For a client who is conscientious/compliant, it is possible to reach the desired outcome in a shorter timeframe with the cooperation of their dentist.

Should you be performing dental treatment on your own?

There is no question, years of professional dental training and knowledge of the physics of the orthodontic movement are required to properly execute each treatment. When considering who you should carry out your treatment, make note of the clinician’s ability to explain the process and their foresight to anticipate and address any issues. Treatments under the care of a dental professional are critical to its success.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockWhat dental issues are addressed with Invisalign?

Invisalign can correct dental issues with crowding, spacing, overbite, and most importantly the ability to have a good meal.

How do you care for your teeth with Invisalign?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is a major obstacle if you have braces. Invisalign provides more convenient access for proper oral hygiene.

How long do you typically need Invisalign for?

The typical length of treatment for many of my patients ranges from 6-12 months, however, there are some cases that will take a longer period of time.

Who is a good candidate?

Many orthodontic treatments can be completed with Invisalign. It is best to evaluate the periodontal conditions and make sure that all restorative treatments are completed before any orthodontic treatment.

When you get your Invisalign removed, how long do you have to wear a retainer?

As with most adults that have gone through orthodontic treatment, we know that those who have consistently worn and are still wearing their retainers, their results are unlikely to relapse.