26th December 2018  Dental Health

Invisalign is revolutionary in dentistry. It uses the same method as traditional metal braces do to straighten crowded, crooked or gappy teeth, but unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is incredibly convenient, wearable and designed for modern-day lifestyles.

If you are unconfident about your teeth and want to get them straightened, but don’t want to get metal braces fitted, keep reading to find out whether Invisalign is right for you. Here is everything you need to know.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is near-invisible plastic braces that straighten your teeth over time. They are clear aligners that sit over your teeth (similar to a retainer or a night guard) and gently move your teeth to a straighter position. During the treatment, you must get a new set of aligners every few weeks until your teeth have been moved to the correct position and you have a perfect smile.

Who can benefit from Invisalign?

Invisalign is the perfect treatment for anyone who is self-conscious about their teeth because they are either gaped, crooked or crowded. Invisalign can realign teeth so that they look straight and natural, which will greatly boost your confidence when it comes to smiling and living your day-to-day life.

Why is Invisalign better than traditional braces?

Traditional braces have the amazing power to transform your teeth and jaw over a number of months, but they’re not exactly practical. When comparing traditional braces to Invisalign, the advantages of the latter are clear.

• Invisalign is invisible; no metal is required

Perhaps the most attractive thing about Invisalign is that when you are wearing them you can’t see that you have them on (unless you look closely). This means that you can go about your day-to-day life wearing Invisalign without having been self-conscious that everyone knows you’re wearing “braces”. After all, traditional metal braces (aka “train tracks”) that consist of metal wires being glued to the front of your teeth are commonly associated with adolescent teenagers, are not exactly ideal in adulthood.

With Invisalign, you can flash your best smile without worrying that your metal brace is the only thing that people are looking at

• Invisalign can be removed

Another great thing about Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners when you eat. This is such an advantage over traditional braces, as you don’t have to be conscious about eating in front of people or worrying that you constantly have food stuck in the wires.

Being able to remove your Invisalign is also more hygienic for your overall dental health, as you can rinse and clean the aligners before and after mealtimes, as well as morning and night.

• Invisalign is more comfortable

Those who have ever had traditional braces will know that they hurt, a lot. Not only do they hurt when you go into the orthodontist to get the wires tightened, but the metal on your teeth is abrasive and can actually cut and scratch the soft tissue inside your cheek.

Invisalign, on the other hand, is clear, smooth and comfortable inside the mouth. Of course, in order to effectively reposition the teeth, you must constantly be wearing new aligners, which is an uncomfortable sensation, but the whole process is a lot more gentle than the traditional way.

What are the downsides to getting Invisalign?

Most people will find that Invisalign is way more suited to their lifestyle than traditional braces are. However, if you’re budget conscious, Invisalign may be a luxury you cannot afford. Traditional metal braces are, by comparison, a lot more affordable.

How does Invisalign work day-to-day, and how long do you have to wear them for?

Invisalign is incredibly low-maintenance. Simply wear them for 22 hours a day and you will see results in a matter of weeks. Treatments can take as little as 20 weeks, with some patients required to wear them for even less time. However, this all depends on the severity of your teeth alignment.

You will need to visit your dentist every few weeks, depending on your treatment. For some patients, this could mean once every fortnight, for others it could mean once every 4-6 weeks, but your Invisalign treatment dentist will be able to advise you.

It should also be noted that you must still maintain an excellent standard of oral hygiene throughout your treatment to ensure that your teeth and overall oral health are in check. Simply remove your Invisalign and brush for two minutes twice daily. You should also floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Doing so will mean your results are even more amazing at the end.

Is everyone eligible for Invisalign?

Invisalign is suitable for any adults who have fully-grown teeth and want to get them straightened. This includes teenagers who want to avoid the hassle of braces throughout their school years.

What are the side effects of Invisalign?

Though Invisalign is generally very comfortable and easy to wear (especially in comparison to traditional braces), there is, of course, an adjustment period when you get your first set of aligners, or you switch to tighter moulds. This is all a part of the process, though – the pain will settle very quickly and you will soon forget you’re wearing them at all. For any concerns around pain and discomfort, talk to your dentist and they will advise you on your options.

Final notes

Being insecure about your teeth is no way to live. After all, your smile is one of the first things people will notice about you, and if you are unconfident about smiling and therefore shy away from social situations, you will struggle to make special bonds with people and build relationships.

Invisalign is an easy, convenient, comfortable way to effectively straighten your teeth over time, and is compatible with your day-to-day life. Unlike traditional braces, you don’t have to worry about discomfort from the metal, or getting food stuck in the wires, or the metal catching the sunlight and giving off a glare. Better yet, you can actually remove Invisalign as and when you need to (i.e. during mealtimes and to brush your teeth), which is wholly convenient.

If Invisalign sounds like the right solution for you, contact your nearest dental professional today, and get your confidence back!