We get asked this question all the time and have found that there are some common misconceptions about what Invisalign® is, what it does, and who can benefit from it.
What is Invisalign®?
Simply put, Invisalign® is a clear alternative to conventional metal braces. Aligners are made from a see-through, almost invisible material and molded to fit each individual’s mouth for the purpose of straightening teeth.
What does Invisalign® do?
Invisalign® straightens your teeth using a series of clear, customized removable appliances called aligners. These aligners can be removed when eating and when cleaning the teeth. Because they use less force than conventional metal braces use, the risk of harming the teeth is reduced.
Can teenagers wear Invisalign®?
Yes, they can! There are many times when Invisalign® might be a better alternative to conventional metal braces, and teenagers can take advantage of the many benefits that Invisalign® has to offer.
Traditional metal braces contain wires and brackets that can cause damage to the mouth and gums; Invisalign® doesn’t have this risk.
Teenagers who play sports that require the players to wear mouthguards can avoid the expense of have to construct a separate mouthguard to fit over braces. Instead the aligners can be removed during the activity and a normal mouthguard can be worn as usual.
Teenagers who play musical instruments often find that the metal can interfere with their ability to play. With Invisalign® they can opt to remove the aligners when practicing or performing for their band or orchestra.
Maintaining good oral hygiene has always been difficult for teenagers who wear traditional metal braces. They have trouble flossing teeth between the wires and brackets and cleaning their teeth thoroughly. Since the Invisalign® aligners are removable, brushing and flossing are easier and so teenagers are more compliant.
Can adults wear Invisalign®?
More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their bites and smiles than ever before. Invisalign® offers higher aesthetics than conventional metal braces offer and is a safer, more convenient alternative, which makes it a popular choice for those with a busy lifestyle.
The Invisalign® system utilizes a set of aligners made from a clear plastic material to straighten your teeth. These aligners are virtually invisible so those around you won’t be able to detect that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them. This is the number one reason that adults look to Invisalign® to improve their smiles. Invisalign® is the popular choice for adults who feel that wearing metal braces might affect their appearance. It allows the individual to smile and speak with confidence.
The Invisalign® system is the most comfortable option for orthodontic treatment. Wire braces have a tendency to snag or poke your mouth and can tear the tissues in your lips and cheeks, which can be uncomfortable and painful and put you at risk for other mouth issues. Invisalign® uses plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into place, making it a less painful experience than the conventional method with wire braces and brackets.
In the past when patients would undergo treatment with metal braces, they had to alter their diet, but that is not the case with Invisalign®. Because you can remove the aligners, you can continue to eat and drink normally. This is a huge benefit for those in the workforce. You won’t need to change your daily oral care routine, and the overall treatment takes less time out of your busy schedule. In some cases, total treatment time with Invisalign® can be less than that with traditional braces.
Almost everyone is a candidate for Invisalign®. If you’d like to learn more about your options for treatment with braces or Invisalign®, give us a call today. You deserve the smile you’ve always wanted, and now it’s even easier to get it.
