If you’re planning to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering if Invisalign is an effective option. The short answer is, Invisalign may be the best option for you, depending on the type of orthodontic problem you may have.
Ultimately, your orthodontist will help you arrive at a decision that’s best for you. But, in the meantime, let’s look at the effectiveness of Invisalign, including why people are choosing Invisalign over braces.
Invisalign is the brand name of an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners. The aligners are designed to be almost invisible while helping to align teeth, hence the name Invisalign. The aligners are made from medical-grade plastic and fit tightly over your teeth. The customized trays treat a range of dental problems, such as crowded teeth, bite issues, and gap teeth.
Invisalign requires the use of a series of customized series of aligners, so the first step involves creating a 3D image of your mouth and jaw. After your dental scan, your orthodontist will then customize your Invisalign treatment. The treatment officially begins after your custom-made Invisalign aligners are manufactured.
When you wear the first set of aligners, these aligners will deliver a small amount of force on your teeth to move them into the desired position. To keep the pressure consistent and maintain a tight fit, you’ll have to switch to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks, based on your Invisalign treatment plan.
Generally, Invisalign is effective for treating mild and moderate orthodontic problems. Therefore, Invisalign might take longer to work if you need to correct a more complex dental issue. Sometimes, Invisalign may not be as effective if the teeth are severely misaligned.
It’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 20 or 22 hours per day to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. It’s also crucial to avoid hot water when cleaning the aligners, as this might warp the plastic, preventing your aligners from fitting tightly.
Although Invisalign and traditional braces both work to straighten teeth, there are several differences between the two treatment options that you need to know about. To begin with, traditional braces have been around for longer.
They involve the use of irremovable metal brackets tied together by wires and rubber bands. This makes braces more visible. This is a common highlighted difference between Invisalign and metal braces. In addition, metal braces can’t be removed and are worn 24/7. What’s more, traditional braces tend to apply more pressure to teeth.
This makes them more uncomfortable, but at the same time, more effective at moving teeth, especially in cases where teeth are severely misaligned. On the other hand, and as mentioned, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable, discrete, and are removable. Invisalign is the newer kid on the block and tends to cost more than traditional braces.
There are many reasons why people are choosing Invisalign over braces. But, no doubt, the biggest reason behind Invisalign’s popularity is the use of clear aligners. In a world where appearance matters, the development of less conspicuous aligners has been a godsend to many. Fortunately, Invisalign has more benefits to offer.
Overall, the customized clear aligners are more comfortable to wear and allow your teeth's alignment to shift with minimal pain by applying less pressure. Furthermore, Invisalign aligners are made from plastic, so there are no sharp metal edges that could lead to skin cuts.
With Invisalign, the convenience is unmatched. You can remove them when eating to avoid food getting caught. This also makes the trays easier to clean. Ideally, you should remove them when brushing and flossing. This gives you the opportunity to clean the trays, which can be done using warm water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, or a prescribed Invisalign cleaning solution.
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that offers more comfort and convenience than traditional braces. Most importantly, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, so they are a superior option if you don’t want conventional braces that stand out.
Invisalign has worked for many people to treat various dental issues, and it could work for you as well. However, because your orthodontic needs are different, the only way to know if Invisalign is the best choice for you is to consult with your orthodontist.
