There are many problems and risks associated with having misaligned teeth of various types (be it overbite, underbite, spacing, crowding, or something else), making it supremely worth it to undergo tooth realignment treatment.
However, there are certainly some discomforts and inconveniences involved in wearing traditional metal braces. While they may still be the best choice for some, many are looking for an alternative treatment method.
The number one alternative treatment method for tooth misalignment today is called Invisalign. As the name implies, one of its most notable benefits is that it makes “braces” invisible. Few will even realize you are wearing anything at all on your teeth unless they already know, you tell them, or if they look up close right into your mouth.
Invisalign Lets Your Smile Shine Through During Treatment!
While any and all treatment methods used by well-trained orthodontists will result in a more perfect smile at treatment’s end, most methods require a mouth full of metal and/or ceramic that is quite visible to others during the treatment process. Invisalign is a notable exception to this unfortunate rule.
Invisalign is made out of a special variety of clear, acrylic plastic that has all the right qualities for the job:
- Fits snug against teeth so it won’t just slip off while you are wearing it.
- Does not harm teeth in any way, shape, or form. Does not leave any marks or stains like braces brackets sometimes can.
- Is 100% non-toxic and safe to wear routinely in your mouth for months on end.
But most importantly to many who choose Invisalign – Invisalign trays are extremely transparent. Onlookers are just going to see the whites of your teeth, not any metal or other unnatural coloration.
How Does Invisalign Work & What Are Its Other Benefits?
But while invisibility is the namesake benefit of Invisalign, it isn’t by far its only benefit. One should understand the basics of how Invisalign works and its full range of benefits before signing up for the treatment.
Here is a start in that direction (although you should definitely contact a professional orthodontist for further advice before making a final determination.)
- Invisalign trays work by you wearing a custom-made series of aligner trays that gradually nudge your teeth into the correct position. All trays are made at the beginning of treatment and you just switch up trays every two weeks or so.
- You must wear the trays at least 22 hours per day. You can take them off, however, while eating. You should keep them on while sleeping at night. If you don’t wear the Invisalign trays consistently, they won’t give you the results you want or as fast.
- Invisalign works as fast or (usually) faster than metal braces in most comparable cases.
- As with metal braces and other tooth realignment methods, you may need to wear a retainer to fully maintain long-term results of the treatment. But this could vary from case to case as well.
- Invisalign will NOT hurt your teeth, gums, or inner cheeks the way metal brackets and wires often can. They are much more comfortable in your mouth, so much so that you may even forget you are wearing them.
- Invisalign often costs no more than traditional braces or even less when you take into account that there are fewer checkups needed and no need to have your orthodontist periodically tighten wires.
- You can care for your teeth and gums just as if you weren’t wearing anything at all because, in fact, you will remove the trays before brushing and flossing and put them back on afterward. It is very easy to clean and care for the trays themselves as well – just rinse out with water.
- Results can be as long-lasting as with braces, but this of course varies on a case by case basis and is influenced by how well you follow your orthodontists’ instructions during and following treatment.
- You can buy a special carrying case and other accessories to use with Invisalign to help prevent losing your aligner trays and to better care for them.
- There are certain complex or severe tooth misalignment situations that can’t be treated by Invisalign. Such cases would require braces as such. However, around 90% of the time, Invisalign can do the job.
Invisalign is the cutting edge of tooth realignment, but it isn’t offered by all dentists and orthodontists. Make sure your local orthodontist has the training and experience to offer Invisalign along with all other major tooth alignment correction methods.
To learn more about how Invisalign works and if it’s right for you, or for a free no-obligation Invisalign consultation over the phone, contact Beauchamp Orthodontics today!
