Is Invisalign Right for You?
Significant Advantages of Invisalign
Instead of metal or ceramic brackets being bonded or cemented to the teeth, Invisalign clear aligners are completely removable and, as the name implies, almost invisible when in place. These thin, polyurethane plastic trays are an excellent choice for anyone who wants the ability to remove their apparatus for important social events. It is the perfect fit for adults, self-conscious teenagers, and individuals who don’t feel that braces enhance their self-image.
Clear aligners are also more comfortable than traditional orthodontics, never irritating soft tissue as metal wires or braces can. Easily removable, Invisalign allows you to eat what you want without restriction. These thin plastic aligners also double as nightguards for those individuals who tend to grind or clench their teeth while sleeping!
The most significant advantage of choosing Invisalign, however, is the ability to remove the aligners for proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are made decidedly more difficult with traditional braces in place, sometimes leading to dental decay or gum disease.
How Invisalign Works
Clear aligners work on the same principle as any other orthodontic apparatus—the application of gentle, consistent force to the teeth, resulting in proper alignment over time. However, they differ in ways that make them an extremely desirable choice.
A specialized computer software program creates a detailed plan for moving your teeth from their current alignment to their best possible positions. The plan will consist of several dozen stages, and to accommodate each stage, the Invisalign company will manufacture two “trays” or “aligners.” One that fits over your bottom teeth, and the other fits over your top teeth.
You will begin the treatment by wearing the first set of trays for two weeks, for a minimum of 21 hours per day. Then you will advance to the next pair, and so on until you reach the end of the series. Each stage will accomplish a bit of gradual movement until you complete your treatment and attain your desired alignment and your gorgeous new smile!