Most people do not naturally have perfectly aligned teeth, which is why braces are the go-to option in our society. It’s a solution for aesthetic and functional purposes that many people feel forced to undergo. Braces can be painful and annoying to maintain, especially with all the restrictions you need to follow throughout the teeth alignment process. However, there’s now a modern teeth alignment solution that isn’t half as problematic as having braces. Using Invisalign clear aligners is the new way to address misaligned teeth for both teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligners can treat your misaligned teeth with ease.
A major hindrance for people wanting to straighten their teeth is that traditional braces are so obvious and change your overall appearance for as long as you have them. Also, your meetings with the dentist can be disruptive to your daily routines. Thankfully, Invisalign clear aligners are a revolutionary treatment that don’t require invasive oral surgery and adjustments. They’re a modern solution that will make you consider having braces, especially if you’re already past your teen years.
If you’re not sure if you should have Invisalign clear aligners, here are four reasons they’re better than braces:
1. Invisalign aligners aren’t harmful to your gums and cheeks
Everyone is built differently because of genetics, not just in the alignment of their teeth. Some people have allergies, while others have stronger metabolism. A person’s experience with braces will vary, depending on the condition of their teeth’s alignment and their sensitivity to the treatment.
Some people with overly sensitive gums and cheeks can receive painful rashes and scars from the irritation caused by metal brackets. Unlike bulky braces, Invisalign clear aligners don’t scratch your mouth and inner check with sharp and pointy protrusions.
2. Invisalign aligners give you a professional look
As an adult, wearing braces can be awkward and problematic, especially when wanting a professional smile at work. This impacts several occupations, from real estate agents to professional models, corporate executives and school teachers. Invisalign clear aligners provide a transparent plastic mold around your teeth, which straightens them without the visibility of bulky braces.
If you think the transparent nature isn’t enough, you can remove the aligners when you need to for presentations or meeting up with clients or going out to dinner with friends. The flexibility to remove your aligners is an advantage that you can’t do with braces that are fixed onto your teeth.
3. Invisalign aligners offer faster results
Besides being practically invisible, Invisalign clear aligners provide faster results than traditional braces. Most people will notice dramatic improvements in their teeth alignment within the first few months, and many patients complete their treatment in as little as within 12-18 months.
Remember to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day if you want the fastest straightening results. It’s helpful to have them be removable, but if you take them out too often for too long, you may prolong the required amount of time for treatment to be successful.
4. Invisalign aligners are a better long-term investment
While Invisalign clear aligners sometimes have a higher cost than traditional braces, they’re a better long-term investment. Conventional metal braces require more frequent appointments with your orthodontist to make adjustments and match your teeth’s alignment progress. Adjusting school or work schedules to accommodate frequent appointments can be problematic for many people. Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners is typically covered the same as traditional braces by insurance companies, so if you have orthodontic coverage in your dental health plan, talk to your insurance carrier and your dentist about what your benefits may cover.
Unlike with braces, you don’t need to go to as many appointments to have your Invisalign clear aligners adjusted. You only need to visit your dentist a few times to craft the best plastic mold to adjust your teeth’s alignment. Besides the fewer appointments, you can also receive a replacement of your aligners if you lose or break one, though there may be a fee associated with having them created. This is because your dentist keeps a digital copy of your mouth’s scan to make changes and adjustments to your Invisalign clear aligners’ shape. The dentist is also able to make adjustments to the plan quickly and painlessly if teeth aren’t aligning as desired by tweaking the digital plan and possibly taking another impression of your teeth, then having the updated aligners created for you.
Invisalign clear aligners FAQs
It’s common for patients to be reluctant to try new treatment methods. This is mainly because they have unanswered questions about these processes. Listed below are three frequently asked questions that we’ve answered for your benefit.
1. How do I know if I can get started with Invisalign aligners?
Like any cosmetic dental procedure, you need to discuss your concerns and desired outcomes with your dentist. He or she will be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. You’ll discuss treatment options, length of treatment time, investment amount, and have all your questions answered. If you and your dentist agree that Invisalign is a good fit for your specific needs, the dentist will get you set up with an appointment to take impressions and get started!
2. Will I still need to wear retainers after Invisalign treatment?
After the set treatment period of around 18 months, you will need to continue wearing clear retainers to maintain the new teeth placement. However, you will not have attachments on your teeth (small points of filling material that act as pressure points for the Invisalign aligners), so these will be completely smooth retainers. Like Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll need to keep it on for 12-22 hours for 3 to 6 months, or as prescribed by your dentist. After 12 months, you’ll likely only need to wear them at night.
Even people who wear braces will need to do this to maintain the effects of their teeth alignment procedure. Unlike traditional retainers, Invisalign retainers also have a similar plastic mold of Invisalign aligners. This will prevent you from having a noticeable change in your smile.
3. What happens if I’m not a good candidate for Invisalign aligners?
Although Invisalign treatment is a revolutionary procedure that can apply to almost anyone, you may be incompatible with it if you have pre-existing dental conditions. Dental professionals generally don’t recommend some cosmetic procedures if you have more major and urgent dental concerns, like imperfect bites, overcrowding, or protruding teeth.
Consult with your dentist if you need a more aggressive approach to manage your teeth alignment worries. You can’t qualify for Invisalign aligners if you have dental illnesses like cavities and plaque build-up, but you can qualify after receiving treatment for those issues. Ask your dentist or hygienist if you need milder procedures on your teeth before preparing yourself for Invisalign aligners.
Conclusion
When weighing your teeth alignment options, you should always explore your options and consider modern treatments if they’re available to you. Remember to receive dental services from reliable dentists and orthodontists. Doing so will help you find professional and innovative solutions for your oral health.
Anderson Dental Care is a dental office in Cincinnati, OH that offers a wide selection of services for your oral healthcare needs. We offer teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns, cosmetic teeth whitening, and Invisalign treatments. Schedule your visit with us today!