Invisalign: A Better Alternative To Traditional Metal Braces

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A confident smile certainly improves anyone’s appearance.

However, problems with the teeth’s structure such as overcrowding, underbite, overbite and wide gaps in-between can more often than not interfere not only with one’s regular activities, but one’s confidence as well.

Correcting the problem can be as easy as wearing traditional metal braces.  However, not everyone can withstand the pain associated with wearing metal braces.

The good thing is that there are options to remedy this routine orthodontic problem.

The most common of which, and by far the most popular dental technology being used nowadays, is the Invisalign system.

The Invisalign system is a series of clear plastic aligners worn for about two weeks at a time.  Each set is replaced by the next set of aligners in the series until the desired position of the teeth is achieved. Generally, the treatment plan takes somewhere around a year, depending on the patient.

Your dentist will determine the time line for your Invisalign treatment plan.

What are the advantages of Invisalign aligners?

• Invisalign aligners are practically invisible.  They are composed of thermoplastic material similar to teeth whitening trays.
• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You have the option of taking them off when you’re eating, drinking or about to brush your teeth.
• Since there are no metal brackets needed to straighten the misaligned teeth, you don’t have to worry about mouth sores or irritation arising from the metal wires of the braces.
• Shorter time spent whenever you visit your dentist because Invisalign treatment doesn’t involve adjusting metal brackets, changing elastics, etc.
• It allows you to view your virtual results before you start on the treatment plan. So you can see how your teeth will look like after the treatment is complete.

Invisalign works like metal braces – it moves the teeth slowly and gradually through appropriate placement and controlled force.

The only difference is that Invisalign controls the timing of the force application.

How does this happen?  Each stage focuses on moving only certain teeth.  For example, on week one only two teeth are orthodontically moved.  The next series of aligners is intended for the scheduled movement of the other teeth, and so on.

At present, there over one million patients who have been treated with Invisalign technology.

The number of patients who opt for clear plastic aligners continue to grow each year.  If you want to learn more about Invisalign as an alternative to metal braces or if you want to know if Invisalign will work for you, consult with your local dentist or orthodontist for more information.

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