Many people have the embarrassing problem of crooked or crowded teeth. One of the most obvious solutions to the orthodontic problem is to wear braces, but with more and more teenagers and even adults needing to straighten their teeth, there is another option known as Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear set of hard plastic aligners that fit the mouth. They should be checked and replaced within the first few months as they work to align the teeth in the correct position.
Invisalign is a preferred option for adults and teens because they are practically invisible due to their transparency. However, as with all things, there are advantages and disadvantages to using Invisalign. It's important to know all the details before deciding to have aligners placed in your dentist's or orthodontist's office. The Invisalign treatment uses clear plastic aligners that are customized for each patient by making a 3D scan of their mouth.
Custom aligners are then made to move the teeth in small steps until they reach the correct position. The length of treatment depends on your specific case, but treatment with Invisalign tends to be faster for most types of orthodontic diagnoses. Invisalign aligners provide full force on the teeth, rather than the individual tooth movement achieved with braces. It is perfectly acceptable to visit a few different offices to compare prices and find out if your condition can be treated with braces or Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign retainers are made of a special plastic and fit into each patient's mouth, so unlike braces, there are usually no cuts on the inside of the cheeks or salt washes to treat. For those looking for a subtle treatment with an almost invisible appearance, Invisalign clear aligners may be the ideal solution. In addition to eating and drinking, you will also remove Invisalign retainers to brush your teeth. What works for a person may not work for you, and it's important to make sure that Invisalign is the best option for straightening your teeth.
It may take a couple of days for your tongue to get used to having Invisalign aligners in your mouth and you may have a slight lisp. Lingual (interior) braces are often compared to Invisalign because both offer an almost invisible appearance. While still limited, research suggests that Invisalign may be more effective for some problems than for others. Since its introduction to the market more than 20 years ago, Invisalign treatment has revolutionized the possibilities of orthodontic care.
Whichever treatment you choose, remember that both braces and Invisalign aligners are tools used by your experienced doctor. In fact, in some cases, treatment with Invisalign may be even more effective than orthodontic appliances, due to the total strength of the aligners throughout the tooth. In addition, treatment outcomes are much less predictable with mail-order aligners than with Invisalign aligners. It is possible to get out of a good routine with the Invisalign treatment by not putting it back on after meals, for example, or by forgetting to sleep while wearing them.
Invisalign was the first company to introduce clear aligners, and has continued to lead the industry in technical innovation and clinically proven results for straightening teeth. Like braces, prices for Invisalign treatment vary depending on factors such as the severity of your condition and where you seek treatment.
