Gone are the days when having your teeth straightened meant wearing a set of uncomfortable metal pieces in your mouth. Invisalign has changed the world of orthodontics as it serves as a more discreet and flexible option when compared to conventional braces.
These clear aligners have arguably become the most comfortable and almost invisible choice for teens and adults aiming to get a straighter smile. But how does Invisalign work? Does it work differently from braces? And who can benefit from it?
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a term meaning “invisible correction technique.” It is an orthodontic treatment whereby a series of clear, fully custom-made plastic aligners are fabricated to gently nudge the teeth into the correct position. It starts with a digital scan of your mouth, then the scan result will help create a detailed 3D model that allows the dentist or orthodontist to develop a unique treatment plan for you.
For the aligners to really work, you must wear them for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day, and they can only be taken off when eating, drinking, and brushing. Invisalign can help with a range of orthodontic issues like:
- Crowded Teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Benefits of Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign and braces are two dental treatments that both align teeth to a desired position; however, there are many differences between both dental treatments.
- Cosmetic Aesthetics: Invisalign, when worn, appears clear and very much invisible to the naked eye. Braces, on the other hand, are made up of isolated metal brackets and wires that are visible
- Comfort: Invisalign is made of smooth plastic material and causes less irritation to the cheeks and gums than the metal components of braces.
- Removability: One of the biggest advantages of having Invisalign is the ability to remove aligners at any time to eat or brush teeth, whereas braces can only be removed at the end of treatment.
- Care: The use of Invisalign removes the need to consider certain food restrictions and the need for special tools to clean around brackets.
- Effectiveness: While both are effective, braces help achieve better results when it comes to severe or complex dental issues. Invisalign is perfect for mild/moderate cases.
Schedule Orthodontic Consultations in Swampscott Massachusetts
Whiting Dental Arts provides cosmetic and restorative dental treatments for patients in Swampscott Massachusetts and the surrounding area. We also help with orthodontic treatments by providing Invisalign clear aligners. If you had braces in the past and your teeth shifted since then, or you didn’t have braces but are interested in solving orthodontic issues, we would be happy to help. Give us a call to get started.