In decades gone by, there were few real options when it came to correcting tooth misalignment and related issues. Today, the opposite problem exists – a plethora of options that make it difficult for the average patient to wade through them all and discover which one is best for him or her.
There is no one treatment option that is “the one” for everyone. Traditional braces, for example, may be best in certain cases or may be preferred by some people. Nonetheless, we can say that there is one particular, relatively new, way to correct tooth misalignments that has a plethora of distinct advantages.
That new tooth realignment system is called Invisalign clear aligner trays. Invisalign is truly revolutionary – it’s a whole new concept that works based on time-tested principles of tooth realignment.
The Invisalign Basics
What is Invisalign? you may be asking. It’s a system that utilizes a series of clear, acrylic trays precisely fitted to the contours of your mouth. You wear each tray in succession for about 2 weeks before discarding it and switching to the next tray. In this way, your teeth are gradually nudged into position over a period of about a year (in many cases.)
Your orthodontist will take 3-D X-rays when you first begin Invisalign, which he will send to the dental lab for immediate production of the necessary series of trays.
You then only need to see your orthodontist once every couple months, typically, until the treatment is complete – to ensure it is going as planned.
Advantage Number One: “Invisible Braces”
When choosing your ideal type of braces, Invisalign stands out as the only type that is “invisible.” That is, you can see right through the transparent plastic aligners, and it’s difficult to even notice that someone is wearing them if you don’t already know.
This kind of discreteness in braces is very desirable to many, especially teenagers. No one has to be known as “metal mouth” during his or her high school days!
No metal braces and brackets, no wires, no damage to the tooth enamel from rubbing, and nothing at all to prevent your true, natural smile from showing through!
Advantage Number Two: Greater Comfort & Convenience
Invisalign braces are much more comfortable in your mouth than traditional metal braces. You are able to chew and talk and move your mouth much more naturally, and there is no danger of hurting your tongue, inner cheeks, or other areas of your mouth with metal parts.
You can also remove Invisalign trays and put them back on again yourself. (Try doing that with metal braces. It would require a trip to the orthodontist’s office.) You need to wear the trays 22 hours each day, but you can take them off while you eat, play sports, or engage in vigorous exercise.
Also, the time you save by not having to go to the dentist for each new adjustment or for constant, frequent checkups as with traditional braces is another form of convenience you gain when you choose Invisalign.
Advantage Number Three: Easier Dental Hygiene
One of the big disadvantages of “ordinary braces” is that it can be rather tedious to clean them. Brushing and flossing because extremely difficult tasks, and even with special dental hygiene tools assigned to you by your orthodontist, you may find you can’t get your teeth and gums as clean as you would like.
That’s one reason regular checkups are necessary with metal braces. Your dentist may need to do a professional cleaning for you, maybe even removing the brackets temporarily in order to clean underneath them.
But with Invisalign, you don’t have any of those obstacles to worry about. You simply take the tray off, conduct your normal dental hygiene routine, and then put the tray back in place when you’re done.
Advantage Number Four: Shorter Treatment Time
It’s not uncommon for metal braces to take 24 months to do their job, but with Invisalign, most treatment plans last from 9 to 18 months.
More complex cases will take longer regardless of which type of tooth realignment system you choose. And, in theory, it’s possible for metal braces to take less time than Invisalign to work. But almost always, Invisalign does it faster.
Who doesn’t like to be done wearing braces sooner rather than later? This is a major advantage that should not be overlooked.
Advantage Number Five: A Beautiful Smile That Lasts!
Invisalign treatment begins with a “smile assessment,” and it ends with a brand new smile. Not only does Invisalign give you a more pleasant process and get it done faster, but the results are usually as perfect and as permanent as with other tooth realignment methods.
There are, indeed, many distinct advantages to using Invisalign as opposed to other realignment options. You will, however, want to discuss things thoroughly with your local orthodontist and get an assessment done before making a final decision.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist who offers Invisalign in the Central Florida Area, contact Lecompte & Beauchamp Orthodontics today!
