Having the smile you have always wanted is possible, and now it’s even more comfortable to achieve. Invisalign offers a more comfortable flexible treatment plan than traditional metal braces.
Invisalign allows you to remove the aligners for special occasions such as a family portrait or yearbook photo. Invisalign treats a variety of dental issues, such as;
Overly crowded teeth
Widely spaced teeth
Overbite
Crossbite
Underbite
Today there are options available for straightening your teeth. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see which type is best for you.
Some of the features people like about Invisalign are:
- Nearly invisible
- Removable for eating, brushing and special occasions
- Plastic with smooth edges ( no irratation)
Metal braces are more visible. You cannot remove them until the treatment is completed and the metal can irritate teeth and gums. The nice feature of being able to remove Invisalign for different occasions can become a negative if the person strays from the treatment plan that the dentist or orthodontist has written. Metal braces remain on until the treatment is completed. Since they are never removed they are working 24/7. When Invisalign aligners are removed for brushing and other activities they are not working on the teeth. So if a person removes them for hours at a time every day, the time to reach the desired smile will be extended.
If you and your dentist agree that Invisalign is the right choice for you, the next step will be to make impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be digitized so your dentist can work with a computerized 3-D image of your teeth. The dentist will then plan your tooth movement for the duration of the treatment plan. You should be able to see a representation of your smile before and after the treatment. So you have a good idea of what your new smile will look like before you even begin treatment.
While the number of aligners will vary from patient to patient the average is 20 to 30 aligners. As you follow the treatment plan your teeth will gradually move into place. Your dentist will have you come into the office occasionally to evaluate your progress and give you the next set of aligners. Invisalign has developed Invisalign Teen. This product is designed specifically for teenagers. It helps teenagers attain a more attractive smile without enduring some of the ridicule that goes along with highly visible metal braces. This way progress is made on straightening teeth while maintaining self-confidence. Because a teenagers dental needs are very different from an adult, special features have been built into Invisalign Teen. One of the special features are tabs or areas in the aligner that allow for new incoming molars. Your dentist or orthodontist can explain all these features and benefits during your consultation. Just as the ability to remove Invisalign aligners for eating brushing and special occasions benefits adults, it will also come in handy for teens. Special times such as the yearbook photo. Also it helps improve brushing and flossing and might be helpful to remove during sports or other physical activities.
There are many things to consider when choosing braces. With Invisalign you now have more choices and features. These features help make life with braces more comfortable. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see which one fits your life style and budget.
