Traditional braces are still around, although they are not quite as popular as they were in years past. One reason is that clear braces like Invisalign have arrived on the scene, allowing patients to have their teeth straightened without being so obvious about it.
Invisalign Advantages
No food restrictions
Removable by the wearer
Clear plastic, virtually invisible
Invisalign Treatment Process
Traditional metal braces rely upon the use of wires and brackets that help to straighten teeth over time. In contrast, Invisalign relies upon clear plastic aligners that are custom-fitted to your unique teeth and mouth.
About every two weeks, you would be swapping out your current set of Invisalign aligners for a new set. These aligners must be in the mouth for about 22 hours each day so that there is no unnecessary delay in the completion of your treatment.
Comfortable
Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth type of plastic that snugly fits your teeth and mouth. Although there may be a short adjustment period when you first start wearing your aligners, over time you should notice that Invisalign is extremely comfortable, particularly when compared to bulky metal braces.
For most patients, they hardly notice their Invisalign aligners after getting used to them. You can always remove them at any time when you are eating, or cleaning your teeth. Although treatment with Invisalign will require periodic visits to your dentist, you should find that your Invisalign treatment will have little impact on your everyday life.
No Food Restrictions
Traditional metal braces are fixed appliances. Only your dentist can remove them. With Invisalign, you can remove your own aligners whenever you like. Need to brush your teeth or eat? No problem. Simply remove them and replace once done. If you need to take group photos or selfies, just remove your Invisalign aligners and pop them back in when you are finished.
Almost Undetectable
One of the main advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is its virtual invisibility. The clear aligners are almost undetectable to others. It is unlikely that anyone will know that you are being treated unless they get uncomfortably close to you, or you choose to tell them.
Patient Compliance
One word of caution is in order when it comes to Invisalign: The fact that you can remove your aligners at any time means that lack of compliance is a possibility. If you are not keeping your aligners in your mouth according to instructions, you could set back your treatment time or hinder your results.
Although adults are normally able to follow instructions, teenagers can sometimes forget to replace their Invisalign aligners. So parents must honestly consider the attitudes and capabilities of their children before they commit to treatment with Invisalign.
Your Invisalign Consultation
Are you ready to find out if you can be treated with Invisalign to straighten your teeth? Please contact our office at your earliest convenience to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
