People have always cared about how they look. Your smile is crucial to your appearance, which is why more and more people opt for orthodontic treatments with time. For centuries, regular braces were the only solution to rearrange teeth for an even smile. Nowadays, thanks to advancements in orthodontics and the introduction of innovate methods, you have more than just one option if you want perfectly aligned teeth.
Invisalign braces can be customized for your teeth to deliver a balanced smile. They will slowly straighten your teeth without bothering you with any metal wires or brackets.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an advanced system that aims to transform your smile comfortably with the help of transparent aligners. These Invisalign aligners are flexible; you can take them out while eating or brushing your teeth.
In your first session, your dentist will discuss the treatment with you. Before your procedure starts, you can have a digital representation of how your teeth will look after the treatment.
During the treatment, the dentist uses ClinCheck 3D imaging technology to make your aligners based on your specific condition. The treatment takes an average of 1 to 1.5 years, varying from case to case.
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign is not painful, but you may feel discomfort when you first put your aligners in.
What Types of Treatments Does Invisalign Offer?
Invisalign aligners can offer complex solutions coming in various versions:
- Invisalign / Full: The most common treatment recommended for severe cases.
- Invisalign / Lite: The preferred therapy for less complex issues.
- Invisalign / I7: For rapid developments in cases involving just a few teeth.
- Invisalign Teen: Used to target conditions in growing mouths that are still changing.
What Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign system can transform your smile by addressing several issues:
- Crooked teeth
Having crooked teeth may affect your confidence. Invisalign will make significant development in case you have crooked teeth in an easy process with making small changes.
- Crowded teeth
If you do not have enough space in your jaw to fit all your teeth, they might be pushed to the front or the back. Crowded teeth make it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up, which leads to tooth decay and gum diseases. Invisalign aligners can fix overcrowded teeth to transform your smile and prevent dental disorders.
- Overbite / Underbite
If you have an overbite, your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth, which can cause severe problems if it develops into deep bites.
If you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth, you have an underbite. Invisalign aligners can fix both overbites and underbites.
- Crossbite / Open bite
If some of your upper teeth are sitting inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth, you have a crossbite.
If your upper and lower teeth do not touch when you close your mouth, it is called an open bite.
- Gap teeth
If you have extra room between two or more of your teeth, you have gap teeth which may encourage the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums, leading to gum diseases. Invisalign aligners can help with the issue of gaps in your teeth.
Metal braces vs. Invisalign
While regular braces and Invisalign are helpful in treating all types of orthodontic problems, they have their differences.
Traditional braces, also known as brackets, are fixed metal appliances used as an old technique for straightening your teeth. They contain a slot at the front surface through which a metal wire passes.
Invisalign treatment is a modern approach to restoring your smile with certain advantages. Straightening your smile with this treatment can be life-changing.
- Traditional braces use silver metal while the Invisalign system does not utilize wires or brackets. They apply hardly noticeable and virtually invisible aligners. This can make the treatment more popular.
- Complaints of injury to cheeks are common in cases of metal braces. That is because of the sharp edges of the brackets and, sometimes, the wires, rubbing against the inside of your mouth.
The Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are flexible and custom-made for a personalized fit. Therefore they cause minimal discomfort and ley you speak with no difficulties.
- Metal braces do not let you eat hard and sticky foods, as these foods can dislodge the props from the teeth. Also, you must limit the intake of fizzy drinks since the acid in these drinks can dissolve the bond between the bracket and the tooth. There is no diet limitation with Invisalign. They are removable; you can remove your aligners and eat whatever you wish to eat. Brushing your teeth is also effortless during the Invisalign treatment.
- Metal braces will most likely require regular monthly check-ups. However, if you have undergone Invisalign treatment, you will already have all the sets of aligners available, and you need to switch to the next set of aligners every one or two weeks. You still need to visit your dentist after about 2 months.
- Regular braces need more time to give you the results you desire compared to the Invisalign system, which is usually faster. You should wear your Invisalign aligners between 22 to 24 hours a day for 6 to 18 months, while metal braces will be affixed to your teeth permanently throughout your treatment, which generally takes up to two years or more to complete. The average reported duration is around 18 months.
- Although traditional braces and the Invisalign system are practical means of straightening teeth and improving your smile, Invisalign is applied for moderate crowding of the front teeth, and metal braces are more effective for severe cases.
You may wonder which orthodontic treatment option can be suitable for you.
If your teeth need to be rearranged or reshaped, or you would like to get a more even smile, there is no need to worry. Our professional dentists offer you the best solution for your concerns. They will arm you with details about appropriate options to make your choice easier. They have also completed specialized training to be competent in applying the Invisalign technique.
Your smile is our priority. Leave that to Aria Dental.
