The Invisalign Advantage
Traditional metal braces are an effective way to fix a crooked smile. But they also have some drawbacks when compared to Invisalign, the clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your smile to the perfect position.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is virtually invisible, so you won’t have to feel self-conscious about the way you look. Food will never get stuck to your Invisalign trays because you take them out when it’s time to eat. This makes it much easier to practice effective dental hygiene.
Plus, there are no wires that need tightening with Invisalign. That means a lot fewer office visits for our Invisalign patients.
Reasons to Choose Invisalign
When you meet with Dr. Smith, he’ll go over your treatment options. This is a great time to ask about Invisalign, which offers the following advantages:
1. An Alternative to Traditional Metal Braces
Many patients find traditional metal braces to be bulky and unattractive. This is largely because they’re made from hard, sharp metal. Invisalign, on the other hand, is made from a patented smooth, clear material called SmartTrack that your friends probably won’t even notice.
2. It Won’t Restrict Your Lifestyle
The metal wires and brackets of traditional braces can make it difficult to play sports and they can even get in the way of playing some musical instruments. With Invisalign, you just remove your aligners for the duration of your activity and then reinsert them when done.
3. Improved Oral Hygiene
With traditional braces, it can be hard to keep your teeth clean. Metal wires and brackets make it more difficult to properly brush and floss, which increases your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. With Invisalign, you just remove your aligners to brush and floss, making it easy to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
4. Enhanced Self-Confidence
Patients with crooked and misaligned teeth often feel self-conscious. While traditional braces will correct these issues, the noticeable metal wires and brackets can hamper your self-confidence. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without most people even noticing the treatment in place.
5. No Restrictions on What You Can Eat
When it comes to eating with traditional braces, you have to give up foods that are sticky or chewy, as they can get stuck to your braces. With Invisalign, you simply remove your trays before enjoying your meals. This means you’ll be free to enjoy your favorite foods without having to worry about your treatment getting in the way.
Invisalign FAQS
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is a much more comfortable alternative to traditional braces to realign your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Within the first few months of treatment, your teeth may hurt a little as they begin to shift into place.
Once you get used to wearing your aligners, most discomfort will diminish and you’ll hardly feel your teeth moving.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Generally, Invisalign is covered by insurance, but you can confirm this with your provider directly to make sure. All dental insurance companies are different and offer various benefits and coverage, so it’s best to talk with yours before moving forward with treatment.
If you’re concerned about financing your Invisalign treatment, our office can help. We offer alternative financing options so you don’t have to worry. You can ask us about this during your consultation.
How do you clean and maintain Invisalign trays?
Cleaning and maintain your Invisalign trays is easy and a lot less complicated than traditional braces. You’ll need to remove them to begin and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dr. Smith might also recommend specific cleansers for your aligners that can safely help remove stains and bacteria.
Always be sure to remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything besides water so you don’t stain them. Before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking, you’ll also want to brush your teeth to get any debris out.
Is Invisalign removable?
Yes, the Invisalign aligners are completely removable, making them a preferred orthodontic treatment for many patients. No matter what your age may be, Invisalign allows you to live with more confidence throughout the entire process.
It’s vital to know that although your aligners are removable, you still need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day. If you don’t, your treatment process will most likely be extended.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
The Invisalign treatment generally lasts about 12 months. This is an average timeline of most of our patients, so your customized treatment plan may last longer or shorter.
Overall, the Invisalign process takes much less time than traditional braces because of the unique, Smart Track technology it uses. Aligners apply pressure on all surfaces of your teeth, rather than each individual tooth, which makes the treatment more efficient and comfortable.
What can’t I drink and eat while wearing Invisalign?
During Invisalign treatment, you can drink and eat anything since your aligners are removable. You can drink water with your aligners in, but you shouldn’t eat or drink anything else to help prevent them from staining.
Additionally, after you eat or drink something, try to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria onto your aligners.