Given a choice, would you get braces for your teeth or Invisalign aligners? Getting braces can be pretty scary. There is all that pain, metal, and unnaturally shiny smile. Still, there is no reason to live with a smile you dislike just because you hate braces. You can choose clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces to improve your smile.
Invisalign is a thin clear aligner made from a flexible thermoplastic material used in orthodontic treatment. This product is less conspicuous and can help address various dental problems, including spacing and crowding issues. It can also help fix some mild to moderate bite problems.
If you are unhappy with your smile, Invisalign could be the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for your needs. For decades, metal braces were the only way to straighten teeth, correct bite abnormalities, and fix a crowded mouth. Nowadays, clear aligners offer a more popular alternative to wearing metal braces. Here are some of the reasons why many people choose clear aligners:
Braces achieve their goal of gradually moving teeth into their proper place using uncomfortable materials. The long wires can prick the inside of your check if not correctly trimmed. Likewise, the metal brackets can scratch the soft oral tissue. That can make wearing traditional braces very uncomfortable.
Invisalign is different. The clear aligner trays are more comfortable to wear since they do not have sharp edges to cause injury. Also, they give you greater control over your teeth’s movement without the discomfort that typically accompanies traditional braces.
Invisalign aligners are removable, giving you greater control of your oral hygiene. It is much easier to brush and floss your teeth when you do not have to clean around braces. With metal braces, food sticks in hard-to-reach places, making cleaning more challenging. Since dental plaque feeds on sugar, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other issues.
But just because it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene with clear aligners does not allow you to slack off on your daily oral hygiene routine. Trapping bacteria inside your aligners is easy if you are not careful. So, you should floss, brush your teeth, and clean your aligner trays before putting them back on to prevent bacterial buildup.
If you choose traditional braces, you will have some dietary restrictions. You must avoid apples, corncobs, and anything sticky during your orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign aligners, you do not need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Ensure you brush and floss your teeth after each meal to avoid staining your aligner trays.
While many adolescents have metal braces to straighten their teeth, few adults go that route. Most would feel too self-conscious about having traditional braces on their teeth. Fortunately, it is never too late to get a beautiful smile with clear aligners. Many adults appreciate that they are subtle enough to go unnoticed by others.
If you wish you had a more attractive smile, you can put the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners to work for you. Consult your dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for this orthodontic treatment.
For more on Invisalign, visit Glacier Dental at our Anchorage, Alaska offices. Call (907) 222-6000 to schedule an appointment today.