Orthodontics has changed a lot in the past few decades, and perhaps the biggest development is aligner therapy. Clear aligners like Invisalign have changed the game when it comes to straightening teeth and correcting bites, swapping brackets and wires for virtually invisible aligners. If you’re weighing your options between aligners and traditional braces, here are some benefits of Invisalign to consider.
Invisalign Feels Better
Traditional braces take some getting used to. They're bulky, the wires can irritate your cheeks, and getting them tightened can cause discomfort. Braces do the job of improving your smile, but you are always aware of their presence.
In contrast, Invisalign is so comfortable, you might forget you’re even wearing aligners! There are no brackets, wires, or orthodontic adjustments every four weeks with Invisalign. When you transition to a new set of aligners, you may experience some minor discomfort, but it's usually minimal. Adult Invisalign patients who previously wore traditional metal braces as teenagers are surprised by how much more comfortable aligners are compared to braces.
Invisalign Is Virtually Invisible
Traditional metal braces are obvious—no one can miss that you’re wearing them. While this isn’t much of an issue for younger patients because so many of their peers have braces, if you’re an adult, it can cause you to feel self-conscious every time you smile.
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, even when people are standing close to you or when you take a selfie. No one will notice you're wearing Invisalign if you're giving a presentation at a conference or standing in front of a classroom full of students. You can continue to smile without hesitation throughout your treatment.
There Are No Food Restrictions
While some people aren’t too bothered by the food restrictions that go along with having braces, others feel frustrated by the list of foods to avoid. It's not just the obvious foods like chewy candy, gum, and popcorn—you'll have to give up hard nuts, get used to cutting apples into bite-sized pieces, and steak may be off the menu.
The good news is that Invisalign allows you to eat anything you want because your aligners can be removed before eating. You'll never have to worry about a bracket falling off or sticky food getting stuck in your braces. Take out your aligners, eat whatever you like, brush, and put them back in.
Oral Hygiene Is Easier
This is likely the most significant advantage of Invisalign over traditional braces, at least from the perspective of a dentist. While it is possible to maintain good oral hygiene habits while wearing metal braces, and many patients do, it is more difficult. You need to clean your teeth as well as your braces, so diligent flossing and brushing around your brackets and wires is a must. When your braces are removed, you're likely to have stains on your teeth or even cavities if you don't do a thorough job.
Your brushing and flossing routine will not be affected by Invisalign since your aligners can be removed. Cleaning your aligners with a soft bristled toothbrush or soaking them in a cleaning solution are the only extra steps required.
Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system is always evolving. Aligners are made of innovative SmartTrack material, which allows for more predictable and controlled tooth movement than traditional metal braces. Many patients were not a good fit for Invisalign when it was initially introduced, but as the technology has improved, it has become a viable option for the majority of patients.
Of course, there are some circumstances where Invisalign is not appropriate, but if your case is one that can be treated with Invisalign, you can rest assured that it will perform just as well as metal braces would.
Learn More About Invisalign
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn more about Invisalign, contact us today.