If you’ve ever felt self conscious about your smile but didn’t want to get traditional metal braces (or perhaps you already had them years ago), Invisalign may be a great option for you. As long as you have good oral hygiene and no outstanding oral concerns, your dentist may recommend Invisalign to correct misalignment. When worn properly — that is to say 22 hours per day — many patients see positive results in as little as 6-12 months. But what is Invisalign exactly and how do you know if it’s right for you? Read on to learn more about this treatment option or call our dental team at (330) 264-6519 to schedule a consultation.
What Is Invisalign?
As the name implies, Invisalign refers to a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment that involves using plastic trays to straighten teeth and correct your bite. Many people are drawn to this method over traditional metal braces because of the discretion — your friends, family, and co-workers may not even notice you’re wearing them! With Invisalign, there are no metal brackets or wires that push and pull uncomfortably at your teeth. Instead, your dentist will take custom impressions of your teeth, then apply tooth-colored buttons to some teeth, and outfit you with a series of plastic trays that will last for the duration of your treatment. Every 1-2 weeks, you will start a new set of trays which will gradually shift your teeth into proper position. There can be some discomfort during the first few days of each new tray but typically that subsides fairly quickly. There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign over other corrective measures which we’ll outline more below.
Who Is Invisalign For?
Invisalign treatment is for teens (as long as they have their adult teeth) and any adult who wants to improve their smile. Because of the importance of wearing the alignment trays 22 hours per day, treatment is only recommended for patients willing to commit to this regimen. Wearing the trays less than the prescribed amount will result in unsatisfactory results and increased treatment time. Many patients who complete the 6-12 month treatment course say any inconvenience of wearing the trays is outweighed by their results at the end.
The Benefits Of Invisalign
There are a whole host of benefits to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces including:
- The plastic aligners are subtle, discrete, and nearly invisible
- The trays can easily be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing
- Patients can eat an unrestricted diet — no need to avoid hard or sticky foods
- Treatment is typically about 1/2 the time of traditional orthodontics
- There is typically less discomfort than ordinary braces
The Downsides Of Invisalign
While there are plenty of upsides to an Invisalign treatment plan, there are also some downsides that we should review.
- The plastic trays must be worn 22 hours per day for the duration of the treatment
- There is some slight discomfort at the onset of each new tray
- Patients will need to brush and floss after each meal
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Now that you’ve considered the pros and cons of Invisalign, the next step is to schedule your consultation with your dental care team to discuss your customized treatment plan . Give our office a call at (330) 264-6519 and schedule your visit today.
It’s awesome that you noted that the term “Invisalign” refers to a virtually invisible orthodontic procedure that entails the use of plastic trays to straighten teeth and improve your bite. See, my daughter isn’t too excited about the notion of getting regular braces; instead, she’s eager to try Invisalign for a more covert orthodontic experience. It’s all about having a confident grin without having a metal appearance, you know? Thank you; I’ll get this to her right away so we can find the best dentist.