Straight teeth are not only cosmetically pleasing, but better for overall oral health as well. Straight teeth reduce cavities and gum disease and create a more functional bite. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and are more likely to wear down prematurely, which can cause tooth loss later in life. Many people would like to straighten their teeth but want something different from traditional braces which can be uncomfortable, difficult to maintain, and unsightly. When considering Invisalign or braces, many people find that Invisalign is the better choice for their lifestyle because it gives them the convenience, comfort, and look that they prefer.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is the most popular treatment for those who are looking for alternatives to braces. The invisible aligners made of clear, BPA-free plastic are custom-fitted to your particular teeth and worn for about 22 hours a day over the course of a year or so (usually less time than metal braces). The teeth aligners work to gradually straighten your teeth over the course of the treatment.
Invisalign aligners are a comfortable, simple-to-maintain alternative to traditional metal braces, which can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and a hassle to maintain.
Is it Uncomfortable?
Invisalign teeth aligners are much more comfortable than metal braces. No metal or wires means no annoying little cuts or irritation on your gums or the inside of your cheeks. Plus, they are custom-made for your mouth and they fit so well that many people forget they are even wearing them.
When you first put the aligners in, they may be somewhat uncomfortable because they apply pressure to your teeth, which is a sensation you will not be used to yet. If you experience any soreness (and many people don’t), it should fade after the first few days of adjusting to your new aligners.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is super easy to remove, so your aligners don’t get in the way of brushing/flossing or eating certain foods that you wouldn’t be able to eat with traditional braces.
Can You Really Straighten Teeth Without Braces?
Yes. Well, without the traditional metal braces, anyway. Invisalign teeth aligners work using the same principle as braces, but are not nearly as much trouble to maintain and do not affect your comfort or appearance to the same extent. Using Invisalign properly (which means keeping the aligners on for at least 22 hours a day, every day) will work to give you the straight smile you’ve always wanted, without the hassle of a mouthful of metal.
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Invisalign Cost; is it expensive?
People often think Invisalign is a more expensive treatment option than regular metal braces because that used to be the case, but now Invisalign invisible braces cost about the same as metal braces. The exact cost of Invisalign treatment will change according to various factors, such as what type of insurance coverage you have. The cost also depends very much on the extent of straightening required—one or two crooked teeth that need straightening will be a lot less expensive than if every tooth in your mouth needs to be moved.
Many dentists are willing to come up with a payment plan that works for you if the Invisalign cost is a problem for you. Remember, your dentist’s number one concern is your oral health and they will do whatever they can to help you get the treatment you need.
How Does Invisalign Work?
If you are interested in Invisalign, the first step is to book a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to determine whether Invisalign treatment is the right choice for you.
If you decide to try Invisalign, in order to make your custom aligners your dentist or orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth in order to create a 3D map of your mouth. You will be given your customized aligners, which are easy to put on—simply slip them over your teeth.
Every 2 weeks or so you will be given new aligners to make sure the appropriate amount of pressure is being put on your teeth at all times for the most effective, efficient straightening process.
You will go in to your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist for an evaluation every 6 weeks or so. Your dentist will check on the progress of the treatment and may recommend adding small, unnoticeable attachments to certain teeth if you need additional pressure to speed up the straightening process.
You will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day in order for them to be the most effective. However, the aligners are simple and easy to remove, so you can remove them for activities that they make difficult such as brushing and flossing your teeth, eating certain foods, participating in sports, and playing wind instruments.
Because you can easily remove the aligners, it is very easy to clean them, too—use warm water with a toothbrush and a little gentle soap to clean them twice daily. Be sure to rinse your aligners every time you remove them form your mouth.
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