Getting dental braces might not sound appealing for those who are looking to straighten their teeth. It can make the best of us feel a bit self-conscious when talking and eating while others just aren’t fond of how their teeth look when braces are installed. Fortunately, there are other alternatives to straighten your teeth and that is Invisalign.
Invisalign are clear, plastic aligners that are used to adjust teeth. It’s an invisible solution for people who want to straighten their teeth without any brackets or wires. Invisalign uses transparent dental-grade plastic that function just like normal braces, but with added comfort and flexibility. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign and what are the benefits that come along with it.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works by using a series of plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth’s alignment over time. Each piece of Invisalign is worn for around 1-2 weeks which is then replaced by a new one with a different adjustment. These aligners are designed to move teeth in small increments so when you wear a new set, the aligners are straighter than the previous one. The pressure on your teeth will cause it to move and match the aligner.
Week by week, your teeth will continue to move until it has been straightened to the desired placement. Your orthodontist will conduct the following to see if you’re a good fit for Invisalign:
- Scan your teeth digitally with an iTero scanner
- Take photographs of your teeth
- Take digital x-rays
- Take dental impressions of your teeth
Once you’ve been determined a good candidate for invisalign, a series of custom-made clear aligners will be provided to you in around 4 to 5 weeks. You’ll be required to wear Invisalign close to full-time to help move your teeth to the desired position. Treatment time lasts for around 12-18 months and will depend on how much you wear Invisalign throughout the day.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are plenty of benefits to using Invisalign. It’s easy to use and is more convenient than having braces installed. Here are the advantages of using clear plastic aligners:
- They appear invisible when worn.
True to its name, Invisalign is almost indiscernible when worn because of its transparent construction. This works great for patients who want to straighten their teeth without having to worry about brackets and wires detracting their face or smile.
- It’s comfortable to use.
Wearing dental braces can sometimes be uncomfortable. But with Invisalign, you don’t have to experience any discomfort at all. The plastic aligners are made from dental-grade plastic that is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. This ensures maximum comfort even if you wear it for long periods.
- Easy to maintain.
Brushing and flossing can sometimes be difficult when you have dental braces. Food can get stuck between the nooks and crannies and it requires a meticulous approach when it comes to cleaning. Unlike dental braces, Invisalign is removable, thus making it easier to clean your teeth and the plastic aligners themselves. Just remove the trays, brush it with your toothbrush, and pop them back in.
- Saves you plenty of time.
Dental braces require frequent trips to the orthodontist’s office for maintaining proper adjustment. With Invisalign, you’ll save plenty of time since it only requires maintenance every 6 weeks.
- No food restrictions.
Food restrictions are one of the worst parts about teeth straightening. Certain foods are off-limits when wearing dental braces to prevent damage. Any food that’s chewy, hard, or crunchy are off the table and these can definitely affect your appetite. Invisalign allows you to eat whatever foods you want. Simply remove the plastic aligners before eating and pop them back in when you’re done.
- Straightens your teeth beautifully
Not everyone likes the look of dental braces. For some, it can affect their self-esteem and make them more self-conscious when smiling. Invisalign makes for a more aesthetically pleasing option in terms of straightening your teeth Most people won’t even be aware that you’re wearing plastic aligners, thus helping you be more confident with your smile.
- Better dental health
Invisalign works to correct mild overbites, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth. This leads to better dental health and inspires you to practice better oral hygiene when wearing Invisalign. Your smile is brighter, your gums are healthier, and your teeth are straighter when you use Invisalign.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a viable alternative to dental braces for people who are looking to straighten their teeth. It’s cost-effective, it’s easy to use, and it works wonders for correcting crooked teeth. It works great at aligning your teeth without the bulk and feel of wearing dental braces. If you want to achieve a better smile, Invisalign is an option you should definitely consider.