Are you looking into orthodontic treatments? If so, there are plenty of options to choose from in 2021. While metal braces are still a valid option, people who aren’t interested in them have choices. For instance, have you considered Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign braces are functional, efficient, and subtle. Some people prefer them over metal braces, and some people find that their lifestyles are more suited to the flexibility that Invisalign gives them.
Not sure if it’s right for you? No problem. Keep reading to learn all about Invisalign, so you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the brand name of the most popular brand of clear aligners. Clear aligners are plastic pieces that mold to your teeth, allowing your teeth to slowly shift into place.
Invisalign has been around for over 2 decades, though it hadn’t reached full popularity until the mid-2010s. The FDA approved Invisalign in 1998, but it’s changed a lot since then.
When you visit an orthodontist to talk about your options, they’ll scan your teeth to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for treatment. After a brief waiting period, they’ll show you your treatment plan and give you your aligners.
Is Invisalign Effective?
Invisalign has come a long way since it first started. It’s effective for most misalignment problems, though you’ll need to visit an orthodontist to make sure that it’s the right choice for you. Some patients are better off with traditional braces.
Invisalign can sometimes take less time than traditional braces, but this varies depending on your specific condition.
Invisalign can correct gaps, crowding, and even bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, and open bites. While some people think that Invisalign is just cosmetic, this isn’t true.
There are many aligner systems on the market, but it’s clear as to why Invisalign is the most popular and most effective. Not only do Orthodontists need special training and certifications to apply Invisalign aligners, but the aligner system itself is made of high-quality materials.
The aligners are thick, and they often come with attachments and rubber bands. The attachments are similar to brackets on standard braces.
This means that teeth are able to go through complex movements, just as they would with braces.
What Factors Should You Consider?
You might be wondering whether or not Invisalign is really the best choice for you or your family member. After all, traditional braces are tried and tested. We know that they work!
It’s true that not everyone will be as happy with Invisalign. With that in mind, here are a few things that you can consider when you’re trying to decide if Invisalign orthodontics is right for you.
Lifestyle
The first factor that you should keep in mind when it comes to whether or not Invisalign is the right choice is your overall lifestyle and habits.
When it comes to Invisalign vs metal braces, there are differences.
First, consider what you eat. One of the big things that people worry about when they’re looking into orthodontic treatment is whether or not they’re going to have to change their diets.
With braces, you will need to make modifications. You can’t eat anything too hard or chewy, or you risk breaking a wire or dealing with a mess that’s hard to clean up. With that in mind, you can eat whenever you like.
With Invisalign, you don’t have any limitations as far as what foods you can eat. As long as you take your aligners out, your favorite candies, meals, and drinks are all free game.
That said, you can only eat when you don’t have aligners in, so if you’re someone who snacks all the time, Invisalign might not be right for you.
After that, consider sports and hobbies. Children who are in school may play team sports or play instruments in school.
Metal braces can sometimes get in the way of these things. They can get up the mouth during contact sports, and impair the child’s ability to play brass or wind instruments. Invisalign is a great alternative.
Responsibility
Speaking of keeping aligners in, responsibility is a major factor when it comes to deciding whether or not Invisalign is a good choice. While many teens want to try Invisalign instead of braces, not everyone is responsible enough for them.
You need to leave Invisalign aligners in for 20-22 hours per day. While this might not sound difficult, many people find themselves getting lazy with it.
If you don’t keep your aligners in for the required time, you may experience slower treatment or you may need treatment alterations or extensions.
Younger Invisalign users may also be at risk of losing their aligners. It’s easier than it looks. If you’re eating in public, like at school, you need to be careful that you don’t throw away your aligners with your trash.
Finally, you need to brush your teeth every time you eat. You don’t want to trap bacteria under your aligners. If this isn’t possible for you, you may want to consider standard metal braces.
Appearance
Appearance is the one thing that draws most people to Invisalign. It’s the biggest difference between clear aligners and metal braces.
As a child or teenager, metal braces make sense. They’re easy, and because many children have them, they blend in. In adulthood, though, braces are less common.
While more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, many are still uncomfortable with the idea of a mouthful of metal. They may be worried about photos, social gatherings, or even dating.
Invisalign isn’t invisible, but it comes close. It’s subtle enough that you can’t see it in photos, and people may not notice it at all if you don’t bring it up yourself.
Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?
Invisalign treatment is a big investment, but for many people, it’s the best choice. You deserve to have teeth that make you smile. Invisalign might be the path to get you there.
You have so many options when it comes to orthodontic care! Which one is the best for you?
If you’re ready to get a straighter smile, we want to help! At Wardlaw Orthodontics, our team wants to give you a smile that you’re proud to show off. Contact us to set up an appointment today, so we can go over your options!