People today often don’t want traditional metal braces. They remember hearing terms such as metal mouth or brace face when growing up and don’t want their kids to go through this teasing. Many moms and dads also remember how uncomfortable these braces could be and how they didn’t want to smile because they didn’t like the look of them. Now that there is an alternative to these braces, parents are jumping on the bandwagon for their children and themselves.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. They are clean, removable plastic aligners that straighten teeth like metal braces. However, they are discreet, which is only one of their many benefits. Before trying out Invisalign, here’s what you need to know.
Better Oral Hygiene
It is hard to keep the teeth clean when you have metal braces. Food gets stuck under the wires and in the brackets. Once it does, the particles are hard to remove, putting you at risk of cavities and other problems. Trying to brush and floss the teeth with braces is also hard.
Invisalign aligners remove these problems. When you eat, the aligners come out. At night, remove the aligners, and brush and floss as you normally would. Straightening the teeth with Invisalign allows you to maintain good oral health, so you are less at risk of cavities, gum diseases, and many other dental problems.
Comfort
Metal braces can be painful. You may catch your lip on the brackets or get bumped in the mouth and have the brackets cut into the cheek. Invisalign is made of smooth plastic, so you never have to worry about the aligners cutting you. They won’t irritate your gums or cheeks, and there are no wires for the dentist to tighten. Parents who remember how uncomfortable their metal braces were love that their kids have a different option.
Convenience
Invisalign aligners are removable. When you don’t want to wear them, take them out. For example, an adult might not want to wear the aligners when going for a job interview. Remove them before the interview and pop them back in when it is over. Kids may take them out before school pictures. However, the aligners need to be worn as often as possible. Wearing them regularly helps reduce the time needed to straighten the teeth.
Improved Diet
Certain foods damage the metal wires and brackets used with conventional braces. Moms and dads remember being told they couldn’t eat crunchy or sticky foods. If they did, they would end up in the orthodontist’s chair. You remove the Invisalign aligners before eating, so you can eat anything again. There are no dietary restrictions, so grab that celery or munch on some popcorn. Remember to put the aligners back in when you are done eating though.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
The first step in getting Invisalign is to see your dentist or orthodontist. They need to evaluate your teeth and bite to see if you are a good candidate for the aligners. During this visit, they will also talk about your treatment goals and see if the goals can be achieved with the aligners.
If the dentist or orthodontist feels you are a good fit, they take impressions of the teeth and X-rays. These images will be used to capture your teeth and bite so they can develop a customized treatment plan.
Fabricating the Aligners
The aligners are made to fit your teeth perfectly. Invisalign technicians use 3D computer imaging technology to figure out exactly how the teeth need to move to reach the correct position in your mouth. This process involves multiple precise movements that the computer imaging can capture. Once these movements have been determined, clear plastic aligners are custom-made to direct the teeth into the correct position.
The dentist or orthodontist determines how many aligners are needed to move the teeth. Often, the number of aligners requires ranges from 20 to 30. However, each person is different so you may need more or less than this.
Wearing the Aligners
When you receive the aligners, you will wear each set for approximately two weeks. The aligners remain in place unless you are eating, drinking, or caring for your teeth. After two weeks, you remove these aligners and move to the next set. Each set moves you a step closer to straight teeth and a beautiful smile.
However, you must see your dentist or orthodontist regularly to ensure everything is going as it should. They create the new aligners based on where you are at in the treatment process.
Refining the Results
When the treatment phase finishes and the teeth are in the desired position, the dentist or orthodontist might recommend refinement aligners. These aligners are used to make minor adjustments to the teeth. After the adjustments are made, they will provide a retainer to keep your new smile straight.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Many people can use Invisalign to straighten their teeth and align their bite. Good candidates for Invisalign include those with crowded teeth or gaps between their teeth. Men, women, and children with an overbite or underbite may benefit from Invisalign, and the same holds for those with a crossbite. However, some people need traditional metal braces, particularly if they have complex bite issues or severe crowding.
If your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment, ask about Invisalign. They may be able to help you with this treatment or refer you to an Invisalign provider. This provider will assess your orthodontic needs to see if Invisalign will correct the problems you are experiencing.
Although Invisalign costs more than conventional braces, the benefits far outweigh the costs. You will love how discreet and comfortable they are. People find they are an excellent alternative to conventional metal braces. The ease with which they straighten the teeth is impressive, and the aligners allow you to maintain your normal daily routine. You won’t need to change your diet or your oral hygiene habits.
Some people need conventional braces to correct their oral health issues. However, many people can wear Invisalign. Speak to your dentist or orthodontist today to learn which group you fall under.
