Everything You Should Know About Invisalign

Everything You Should Know About Invisalign

Just as it sounds, Invisalign is invisible. While there are similarities to traditional metal braces, there are no metal brackets or metal wiring pushing the brackets together. Using custom-made, invisible aligners, a straighter smile can be achieved in a similar fashion as traditional metal braces.

As dentistry is evolving, traditional metal braces are slowly becoming less and less popular. With alternatives like Invisalign, you can achieve that long-awaited perfect smile without the need for metal brackets and wiring.

How Invisalign Works

The process is relatively simple and fewer consultations are required. Your dentist will take a mold of your mouth using composite. Once this is completed, aligners will be fit for you and will be custom-made using three-dimensional imaging technology. Once complete, you will wear each set of aligners for two weeks. Your teeth will slowly begin to move as they take the new shape of the custom aligners. The aligners will be exchanged for new ones as your teeth are straightened a little at a time.

A large question people may ask is if the movements or your teeth hurt or not. The answer to that question is that a discomforter is normal when first wearing a set of aligners. As your teeth begin to move, they become used to the aligner and move less, until they are permanently at that position. Over time, it will hurt less and less! Most people find that it is worth it for a beautiful smile.

Convenience of Invisalign

One of the main reasons why people chose Invisalign is for the convenience. It is very convenient for many people to be able to remove the aligners whenever they want to. If you are eating, you can take them out and not have to worry about food restrictions.

Brushing your teeth is also a large determining factor for some people. Brushing your teeth can be a lot harder when you are wearing metal braces. Being able to remove your aligners allows you to be able to brush and floss more effectively, which in turn, can prevent cavities or other teeth issues in the future.

Aesthetics

Much like it sounds, Invisalign aligners are invisible. For many people, this is one of the most important considerations. The look of metal braces may make some feel insecure about their smile during the entire treatment process.

Pros of Braces Vs. Invisalign

Metal braces are a better fit for some people. The reason being, they are not removable! While being able to remove your Invisalign is a huge plus, this can also be a drawback. Are you diligent enough to wear your aligners as frequently as you are supposed to? If you ask yourself this question honestly and can’t answer yes, you may want to consider metal braces instead.

In some cases, Invisalign is not recommended for more complex dental cases. Metal braces are a more custom option for more complex treatments. Before deciding on a treatment option, you should ask your dentist what options you do have before proceeding.

Depending on the severity of the case, braces tend to have a faster treatment time. Speed of treatment can be a big factor as many people like to get a treatment finished as fast as possible.

It is more common to find braces on children, rather than aligners for the simple fact that they can’t take their braces off. This can be especially important when considering treatment time. If you are not diligent when wearing your aligners, it can lead to a delay in treatment time.

Comparing Cost

Cost can be a large determining factor for which dental treatment option you use. sometimes, depending on your dental insurance, it can determine which method you go with. Certain insurances only cover one method over another. Talk to your insurance provider about options before you decide on a treatment method.

It is a common misconception that Invisalign is a lot more expensive than traditional braces. With today’s technology, aligners can be as easily manufactured as the process of braces. Depending on the treatment that is needed, the price difference could be minimal.

Conclusion

Invisalign is very popular today, as it is worn by millions of people around the world. It has many advantages such as:

• Aesthetics
• Convenience
• Cost

With about half the population being unhappy with their teeth, more options will continue to replace traditional braces. While braces are still the best fit for many people given the nature of their dental case, considering Invisalign as a treatment option is a good idea if you are worried about feeling self-conscience during your treatment process. Contact us to learn more.