We all want great-looking teeth, but for various reasons, many people never really feel confident in their smiles. The effects can be damaging socially and psychologically, so why don’t more people seek treatment for crooked smiles, unsightly gaps or crowding? One major reason, it turns out, is a fear of traditional braces.

It’s not hard to see why. Even though the end result is a beautiful smile, traditional wire braces bring their fair share of issues. Irritation, limitations on your diet, regular maintenance and of course, how they look. Thankfully, there is an alternative to traditional braces, called Invisalign, and most 123 Dentist member clinics offer it. In this blog, we’re going to explore common questions about Invisalign and tell you everything you need to know before consulting a dentist.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern solution to straightening your teeth without wires. Clear, smooth and durable plastic is custom molded into a set of nearly invisible aligners that snap into place over your teeth. Every two weeks, you exchange your aligners for a new set that slowly straighten your teeth to their correct positions.

How do I use Invisalign day today?

The best part of Invisalign is that nobody else needs to know you are straightening your teeth. You wear Invisalign 22 hours a day, including while you sleep. Invisalign treatments can be completed in as little as 20 weeks for many patients.

When you have Invisalign, you take off your aligners to eat and clean your teeth. Because you are removing your braces, you can continue to eat what you want, with only a few exceptions. If you are a heavy coffee drinker or smoker, you will notice Invisalign aligners yellow over time along with your teeth, making the invisible plastic less conspicuous. To avoid this, practice good normal dental care and limit your coffee and cigarette consumption whenever possible.

A visit to your dentist should be planned every 4-6 weeks to review your progress and allow for modifications if necessary. At the end of your treatment, your fasteners will come off and your friends and family will only notice that your teeth somehow seem healthier and that you seem more confident as a result.

One advantage of Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners for cleaning. Remember to floss and brush daily to avoid cavities and to keep your smile as white as it is straight.

Is Invisalign Better Than Traditional Braces?

When weighing the pros and cons of Invisalign, you will need to consult with your dentist to discuss what is best for YOU. That being said, Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces.

1. Invisalign is Invisible – It bares repeating because the number one advantage to Invisalign is that your employer, friends, partner, and family will not see a mouth full of metal when you smile in front of them.
2. Invisalign is Comfortable – While Invisalign can cause mild discomfort at first, most patients find it much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces, which can cause abrasions and sometimes make eating more painful.
3. You can Remove Invisalign – The fact that you can take off Invisalign for meals and dental care is another big reason patients choose it over traditional braces.

On the other hand, there are a few reasons why traditional braces might be the better option for you, and you should consult with your dentist to make sure Invisalign is the best treatment option:

1. Traditional Braces Are Affordable – While it does work, Invisalign is typically more expensive than traditional braces. Looking great while you straighten your teeth does cost more.
2. Some Treatments Require Traditional Braces – Invisalign works well for many patients, but in severe cases, traditional braces work best. Our dentists tend to prefer traditional braces for severe overcrowding, for instance.
3. Lifestyle Choices – Depending on your personal habits, you might not want to adjust how much coffee, smoking or red wine you consume. If this is the case, Invisalign is less effective because the adhesive used to bond your aligners and your aligners themselves can become stained, removing a key benefit of Invisalign.

What kind of side effects are there with Invisalign?

Earlier in this article, we mentioned mild discomfort that can occur when you first start wearing your Invisalign aligners. Like a nightguard, Invisalign aligners are artificial and fit over top of your teeth. Naturally, they will take some time to adjust to, and you may even find yourself removing the aligners subconsciously when you sleep. After some time though, you will adjust and forget you’re wearing them at all.

In some cases, the fasteners our dentists attach to your teeth at the beginning of treatment can cause prolonged irritation to the patient’s cheek or lips (soft tissue). This isn’t too common and most patients will adjust over time, but if you are feeling pain you can discuss options with your dentist and adjust accordingly.

Allergies

In rare cases, the plastic used to create the Invisalign aligners can cause an allergic reaction. The reaction is usually mild and causes irritation to the gums. If after several days you are not adjusting to the Invisalign aligners and are experiencing irritation, you can consult with your dentist and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Can you switch to Invisalign from Traditional Braces?

Yes, you can switch to Invisalign from traditional braces, but before you make the decision, consult with your dentist to determine the best treatment plan for you. Since Invisalign is a separate treatment plan, the cost of switching treatments will be higher and depending on how long you’ve been wearing your braces, Invisalign may not be as efficient as continuing with your existing treatment plan.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

No matter your age, if your adult teeth are fully grown, Invisalign is an option. Whatever the barrier, Invisalign can help you straighten your teeth without the embarrassing visual of traditional braces.

Consider the average teenager navigating the hallways of high school or a career-minded graduate looking to make their mark in a cut-throat market place. Traditional braces are distracting, uncomfortable and ultimately create a psychological barrier to success for many patients. You want your employer to see you the way you see yourself; confident and professional. You want your friends at school to look past your smile. Invisalign offers everyone the chance to live their lives fully, with no hassle, no embarrassment and free of the barriers of traditional braces.

We love our patients and love to help them form healthy dental life that will last them a lifetime. For more information call us today to answer all of your questions so get an appointment today.