Looking into straightening your teeth but don’t want to deal with the hassle of braces? There is another option. Invisalign can straighten your teeth in no time without filling your mouth with metal and wires. These aligners are nearly invisible, which allows you to straighten your teeth without many (or any) people noticing. Learn more about Invisalign and if it is the right option for you to start the journey to a straighter smile today.
What is it?
Invisalign is an alternative option for traditional braces that uses clear plastic to strengthen teeth. A customized mold of your teeth is created out of a durable, clear plastic that you wear to align your teeth.
These nearly invisible aligners snap over your teeth similar to a night guard. The aligners are worn during the day and while you sleep. Treatment length will vary based on your needs, but in some cases, it may take as little as twenty weeks.
How does it work?
To start your process with Invisalign, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Then you’ll start with a personalized treatment plan, customized for you. Nearly invisible aligners are created to fit your teeth. Every few weeks, you exchange your aligners for new ones as your teeth slowly move into place.
With Invisalign aligners, you wear them almost all of the time. They will need to be removed when you eat and when you clean your teeth. You can also clean your aligners regularly to help maintain excellent dental hygiene.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces will effectively straighten your teeth, and that is about where the similarities stop. Invisalign is nearly invisible, whereas traditional braces use metal brackets and wire to realign your teeth. With all of this metal and wiring in your mouth, braces can be very uncomfortable.
However, Invisalign causes mild discomfort at first but it known to be much more comfortable. Invisalign is removable. No need to worry about food getting caught in your braces when you can take them out at any time.
Traditional braces often have food particles stuck in them and also limit what you can eat while having braces. Because Invisalign is removable, it does not limit what you can eat. One benefit to traditional braces is that they tend to be a more affordable option. Invisalign requires multiple aligners and thus the price is usually higher.
Side Effects
Like any sort of braces, Invisalign can cause discomfort as your teeth are being realigned. It will take time to adjust to having aligners in your mouth, but with time most people forget they are wearing them at all.
In some rare cases, the plastic used to create Invisalign can cause allergic reactions. This usually means mild discomfort and irritation to the gums. If these symptoms occur and persist for more than a few days, you may want to consult your dentist before continuing to use Invisalign.
