Invisalign is growing in popularity, with many patients claiming that they can get the same results from wearing the clear aligners as they would with traditional braces. How does it work? And, just what is Invisalign, anyway?
Invisalign was designed to treat certain common orthodontic issues, such as improper bites and misaligned teeth. And, believe it or not, it can often lead to results in about the same amount of time as traditional braces. So, what’s the big deal? No one has to know you are seeking treatment thanks to this discreet option.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your dental specialist will create a progression of treatment that will allow a series of clear plastic aligners to be created. Each aligner will gently encourage your teeth to transition into their proper positions, moving into the new aligner every couple of weeks until treatment is finished. Your progress will be monitored throughout the entire transformation to make sure that the aligners are moving things along as intended.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours every day, only being removed to eat and for cleaning. Not wearing them for this length of time can result in a delay in treatment.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear, discreet method of treatment – and an alternative to traditional metal braces. It comes with quite a few advantages, including:
Invisible in Appearance. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. They can be noticed if someone is looking closely enough, but they do not stand out as traditional metal braces with brackets and wires. Most people won’t even know you are wearing them.
Little Impact on Everyday Life. Because they fit snugly against your teeth, you don’t have to worry about Invisalign aligners impacting your speech. Plus, because they can be removed to eat, you don’t have to change your eating habits or be selective of the foods you eat as you do with traditional braces.
Fewer Trips to the Orthodontist. With traditional metal braces, it is common to make many trips to the orthodontist for tightening and adjusting. With Invisalign, you have the new aligners at home to switch out – which means less missed work or school, and less time at the orthodontist.
Comfortable to Wear. Those who have invested in Invisalign aligners will be some of the first to tell you that they are quite comfortable to wear – especially when compared to the alternative. There are no brackets to irritate the sensitive skin along the inside of your cheeks, for example. While you may feel slight pressure temporarily with a new aligner, the discomfort level is much less when compared to the alternative.
Easy to Care For. Performing everyday oral hygiene routines can be challenging and time-consuming with traditional braces. You have to learn new ways of flossing and you have to be sure that when you are brushing, you reach all the tiny crevices. None of this is necessary with Invisalign. You simply take them out to brush and floss your teeth like normal.
Learn More About Invisalign
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign, how it works, and whether it is the right fit for you, then the team at Northshore Prosthodontic Associates can help. We specialize in transforming smiles – just like yours!
We offer three offices for your convenience. Contact us today! Or, request an appointment online.