Dental patients who want to enjoy a straighter, more beautiful smile are fortunate to have several different methods to choose from in order to achieve that goal. Traditional metal braces are still available through many dentists and orthodontists, and although this method is definitely effective, it comes with some disadvantages. That’s why so many people prefer Invisalign® to straighten their teeth. Just as the name implies, Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisble, but that’s only one of many advantages to this cutting-edge technology.
What Is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® method of straightening teeth involves the patient wearing clear plastic aligner trays for at least 22 hours each day. The aligners are custom-made for each patient, and every 2 to 3 weeks a new set of trays are provided. Gradually, over the course of several months, the aligners straighten the patient’s teeth.
Advantages of Invisalign®
There are good reasons why so many patients are choosing this form of treatment, including the following:
- The aligner trays are virtually invisible. Unlike metal braces, which are all too visible to other people, Invisalign® trays are made from clear plastic. That means that no one will ever have to know you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance!
- The aligners are removable by the patient. Once you’re fitted with traditional braces, they’ll be on your teeth until your dentist or orthodontist takes them off. But patients with Invisalign® aligners can remove their trays to eat and brush and floss their teeth. This means you can eat whatever foods you’d like, and you can follow your normal brushing and flossing routine.
- The Invisalign® takes less time than traditional braces. Most patients can complete the treatment within one year. This is in sharp contrast to traditional braces, which can take between 12 and 18 months and in many cases as long as 3 years.
- Although exact costs vary depending on the provider, Invisalign®is typically less expensive than traditional braces.
- Because you simply change out the aligner trays every 2 to 3 weeks, the Invisalign® method requires fewer visits to the dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces, for example, require the patient to visit the dentist on a regular basis to tighten the wires on the appliance – visits that are unnecessary with Invisalign®.
- Most people with Invisalign® trays report that they are quite comfortable, particularly when compared to traditional braces, which can be annoying and somewhat painful for most patients.
To learn more about the advantages of Invisalign®, and to find out whether you’re a good candidate for this treatment method, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
