Having straight teeth is more than just getting a nice smile for pictures. Straight teeth do improve chewing, speech, and mouth health. It is among the most prominent ways that teeth realignment is done nowadays—Invisalign.
But is it meant for everyone? Let’s understand in-depth what Invisalign is, how Invisalign in Spruce Grove works, and what its pros and cons are to make your choice easy.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure for tooth adjustment using clear removable aligners that are transparent. Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible; with 3D computer imaging technology, they are fabricated for each patient individually.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. You’ll have to wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in your series. With each new set of aligners, your teeth will be slightly moved toward their final positions.
This is how it works:
- Consultation: You see a dentist in Spruce Grove first; he examines your teeth and discusses with you whether the treatment will be appropriate for you.
- Personalized Plan: If you decide to go ahead with it, your orthodontist will work out a customized plan. They would then take X-rays and click pictures of your mouth to get impressions before making the aligners ready.
- Aligners: You will be provided with several sets. Each set is to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day but removed when eating, drinking, cleaning teeth, and flossing.
- Regular Check-Ups: You will have to visit an orthodontist every few weeks to check your progress and issue the next set of aligners in the series.
- Completion: At the end of wearing all your sets of aligners, you may be provided with retainers to hold the teeth in their new position.
Advantages of Invisalign
There are several advantages that make Invisalign very popular:
- Nearly Invisible: As the aligners are transparent, most people won’t even notice that you are wearing them. This is great for people who are very self-conscious about having braces.
- Removable: You can remove your aligners while eating, drinking, cleaning, and flossing. This makes good oral hygiene much easier in comparison with traditional braces that trap food and make it a bit more challenging to clean teeth.
- Comfortable: The Invisalign aligners are fabricated from smooth plastic, which could be more pleasant than the metal wires and brackets that formulate traditional braces. It is less likely to frustrate your gums and cheeks.
- Fewer Dental Visits: Invisalign near you requires fewer check-up visits than traditional braces. This makes it more convenient for people who want to save time, especially if they have busy schedules.
- Predictable Results: Since Invisalign uses the latest computer technology in planning your treatment, you can even see a virtual image of what you will finally look like before you start the treatment.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Though Invisalign is beneficial in many ways, it certainly cannot be perfect for everyone because:
- Discipline Required: You are supposed to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day. If you don’t do this, the treatment may take longer or may not work as well as expected.
- Not for Severe Cases: While it’s excellent for mild to moderate tooth misalignment, Invisalign might not be that useful for cases that have very complex dental problems. Traditional braces or other forms of treatment may prove more effective in such cases.
- Cost: Invisalign could be slightly more expensive than traditional metal braces. The price differs depending on where you live, so always keep in mind your budget and whether there are insurance covers that will help in chipping off part of the cost.
- Potential Discomfort: Generally, they are comfortable; however, the aligners may bring about some discomfort, more so when you switch over to a new set. Since they are moving your teeth, this might make them sore for a few days.
- Care and Maintenance: You must properly clean your aligners and treat them with care. This involves brushing the aligners daily and being careful not to eat/drink- except water- while in the trays so they don’t stain or get destroyed.
Comparing Invisalign to Other Options
When you are making a decision about getting orthodontics near you, it helps to compare Invisalign with other common methods for straightening your teeth:
- Traditional Braces: These use metal brackets and wires to move your teeth. They work well for all problems with alignment, but they are more noticeable and less comfortable.
- Ceramic Braces: They are very much like the traditional ones; the only difference is that their brackets are ceramic and, hence, tooth-coloured, making them almost invisible. They can be quite useful and prove somewhere in between metal braces and Invisalign.
- Lingual Braces: These are exactly like the traditional ones but attached at the back of your teeth instead of the front, hence remaining invisible from the outside. However, they are uncomfortable and a bit more difficult to clean.
- Other Brands of Clear Aligners: Not all clear aligners are created equal, and while there are many alternatives to Invisalign, some of those can have varying price structures or treatment plans.
Blossom Family Dental Can Guide You During Invisalign Treatment
So, is Invisalign the best way to straighten your teeth? Indeed, this depends on your individual needs and your chosen lifestyle. Invisalign could be the right option for most, as it is almost invisible, removable, and comfortable. However, discipline is required to wear the aligners according to the prescription from the dentist, and they may not be suitable for very complicated dental issues.
The best way to make a decision is to talk to an orthodontist at a dental clinic near you. We introduce you to Blossom Family Dental to get your teeth assessed and then weigh out all the different pros and cons of Invisalign against other treatments. Their dental experts will help you find the solution that can get you a healthy, gorgeous smile in no time.