Taking the step to have your teeth straighten can be difficult for most. The thought of having metal braces ruins your appearance, which makes individual's think twice before realigning their teeth. But like in other fields of dentistry, innovative technology and techniques have led to the creation of Invisalign, which has become a popular alternative to braces for straightening teeth.
We highlight exactly why that is.
It's virtually invisible
Invisalign's biggest selling point is that is it clear and practically invisible. Which is why most marketing campaigns throughout the US highlight this specific fact. It allows users to realign their teeth without any metal wires or brackets. In fact, unless you tell people that you use Invisalign, most won't even be able to tell.
It's comfortable
When you compare it to braces, Invisalign is far more comfortable. Having metal wires and brackets in your mouth for up to 2 years is a dreadful thought. Plus, braces can lead to excruciating pain if a metal wire snaps or a bracket breaks. Invisalign is made out of plastic and molded to fit perfectly. There are no complications with Invisalign as such that will have you in excruciating pain. There may be a bit of discomfort when you first put the aligners in but that too goes away after a few hours.
People tend to be a little skeptical when they hear about Invisalign and how it works wonder to provide users with a perfect smile. They think that the solution is too simple to actually work. But when you actually go to a dentist to discuss the treatment and the process, you will learn that Invisalign has a unique approach that actually makes a lot of sense.
It all starts with a detailed scan of your mouth. With the help of simulator, a picture of your realigned teeth are shown. Based on this scan, aligners are made. You don't get just one aligner for the whole treatment period but numerous aligners. After every two weeks, your dentist provides you with a new aligner, that is slightly different than the previous one. Each new aligner uses controlled pressure to slowly realign your teeth.
It gives you more freedom
There are many restrictions that come with braces, which you don't have to worry about with Invisalign. For example, you can no longer have chewy food as it can stick to the wires and brackets, even getting behind them from time to time. It is difficult to properly clean such food out after it gets stuck which increases the chances of cavity and tooth decay.
Since Invisalign is removable, you have the freedom to eat what you want. This is because you remove the aligners every time you have food. You do, however, need to properly brush and floss post meals and snacks. Since remaining food particles can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria when you put the aligners back on.
You do need to have them on for at least 22 hours a day
The fact that the aligners are removable makes it easier for users to take them out whenever they please. However, for the solution to work, it is imperative that you resist the urge to take them out whenever you feel the need. The only time the aligners should be taken out is when you eat, clean the aligners, and brush your teeth. So the solution does require a bit of determination.
Treatment period varies from person to person
With Invisalign, there isn't a one set time period for teeth alignment. Each treatment varies from person to person which means that the time period also varies. The treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months for those that are looking to get their teeth aligned for the first, depending on their situation. For those that have previously had braces and don't require extensive realignment, the period can be as low as 10 weeks.
There is a good chance it will cost you less than braces
The cost of Invisalign varies from provider to provider, however, the treatment cost on average ranges between $3,000 to $5,000. While the cost of braces start around $2,000 and can go up to $6,000.
Having said that, teeth alignment is no longer as daunting as it was before Invisalign. Which is why masses others around the US, are constantly looking for Invisalign solutions. Orthodontists and dentists too have started to recommend Invisalign due to the ease of the treatment on patients.
Dr. Daniel Greenstein offers the most affordable and comfortable Invisalign in Ocala, FL. Dr. Dan is also a member of the Florida Dental Association.
