What image comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘orthodontics’? Perhaps it is the thought of an adolescent with a grid of metal in their mouth behind which their teeth are barely visible – that’s an apt description and reality in many orthodontic cases. However, today, Invisalign® clear aligners have become the choice and innovative substitute for conventional metal, or ceramic, braces.
True to its branded name, Invisalign® clear aligners, which are made of polyurethane plastic, are transparent and practically invisible. Unlike conventional metal braces, they don’t have to be attached to the teeth with dental cement. They can also be instantly removed – at mealtimes when brushing one’s teeth or flossing. And let’s not forget those occasions when you are going to talk and smile a lot, and instead, they don’t become the topic of conversation.
However, the flexibility and ease of removing the aligners have one drawback – you must resist the urge to remove them, unless necessary. Try to keep them in your mouth as much as possible for the recommended period of use.
The Invisalign® System’s Advantages
Improved Oral Hygiene
The fact that this orthodontic device can be easily taken out allows you to clean teeth far more easily compared to semi-permanent metal and ceramic braces.
A Discreet Look
Your orthodontic treatment may be a personal matter, and you may not want to advertise it to the world. Wouldn’t you prefer to be wearing something less conspicuous? Invisalign® clear aligner helps you make that good first impression.
More Dietary Choices
Every device or gadget comes with its list of dos and don’ts to ensure a longer life and satisfactory results. Invisalign® clear aligners’ list is shorter than those of traditional clear braces. For instance, you can remove your Invisalign® trays to enjoy your food without experiencing the slight discomfort you otherwise would have to endure with traditional braces. Another benefit, less time is spent flossing because you don’t have a wire in the way.
Comfort
Invisalign® clear aligners come with the promise of comfort. Made from Smart Track, a polymer that is soft and supple, a user need not worry about chafing or inflaming the soft and tender interior of their mouth, as with traditional braces’ wires and brackets.
Teeth-Grinding Protection
Many people, children included – who suffer from bruxism, teeth grinding, and clenching sleep disorder – can sleep better as clear aligners operate as thin nightguards and protect your teeth from rigorous wear.
Usually, the upper and lower jaws are positioned precisely one over the other when the mouth is closed. Sometimes, malocclusions occur when the upper and lower jaws are not perfectly aligned with one another, giving rise to several dental problems such as an overbite.
Be aware that traditional braces could be preferable to dealing with this. Only a qualified orthodontist, such as Dr. Natalie Dang of Pierce Aesthetics, will be able to help you find a suitable solution.
How Do Invisalign® Aligners Work?
Specialized computer software, over 20 years of data, and a team of orthodontic specialists are used to determine how and where your teeth will be moved. Depending on the severity of your case your treatment may require as little as 5 trays up to a few dozen, for those with more sever crowding.
Invisalign® will create a set of aligners, or trays; one to fit over the teeth of your upper jaw and the other to fit over the teeth of your lower jaw. You should wear your trays for at least 22 hours each day. The more disciplined you are at wearing your Invisalign® trays the closer to your projected completion date you will be. If you miss a day, or even a few, do not worry – continue to wear them as you normally would and be sure to mention it at your following visit; your orthodontist will either instruct you to continue wearing your current set of trays for as many days as you missed, beyond your scheduled tray change, or you will be cleared to proceed onto your next set of trays as scheduled.
Being a dental product that’s continually improved and upgraded, Invisalign® has added two more elements for teenagers to its pack of features. Special “eruption tabs” ensure needed amount of space open for molars, which haven’t fully grown in.
In addition, Invisalign® for Teens has ‘compliance indicators.’ These enable parents, dentists, the teen patients, and others to check that the trays are being worn correctly, and it is only when they are worn properly that the procedure and product will work as it should.
Good products don’t work unless you use them!
Caring for Your Teeth
Now that you know the advantages of Invisalign® over other products and how much more convenient teeth cleaning will be, please be diligent about making sure that you brush your teeth after all meals and snacks. Clean your aligners regularly; brush and rinse them in tepid water.
Do not overlook the fact that although clear aligners and braces are dissimilar in certain ways, they both serve the same purpose – to straighten your teeth, close gaps, and provide you with a beautiful confident smile.