There was a time when metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case since Invisalign revolutionised the world of orthodontics in 2000 by offering a more discreet and flexible alternative with clear aligners. While most people opt for Invisalign because the aligners are almost invisible, there’s more to this treatment than meets the eye. Beyond discretion, Invisalign benefits go beyond improving the appearance of your smile.
Continue reading this post to uncover five benefits of Invisalign that you may not have been aware of and why it could be the ideal solution for your orthodontic needs. Let’s get started …
You may be surprised to learn that besides straightening teeth, Invisalign also improves your overall oral health. Crooked teeth can be more than a cosmetic concern, often leading to dental issues like gum disease, cavities and jaw pain. It’s not easy to clean teeth that are crooked or crowded – a fact that enables bacteria and plaque to accumulate.
As teeth gradually move into alignment, brushing and flossing them thoroughly is far easier. More effective brushing and flossing ultimately results in less risk of gum disease and cavities. A systematic review in 2018 compared periodontal health in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners with those undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed braces. It concluded that clear aligners were better for oral health than fixed appliances and might be recommended for patients with a high risk of developing gingivitis.
Traditional metal braces are renowned for their discomfort with patients often having to contend with rogue wires or broken brackets rubbing against their cheeks, gums or tongues and causing painful sores in the mouth. With Invisalign, comfort is a key advantage. Manufactured from smooth medical-grade BPA-free plastic, the smooth aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth eliminating the need for scratchy wires or brackets. Each set of aligners gently and effectively moves your teeth to their correct positions.
But what patients like even more about Invisalign is how it fits effortlessly into daily life. The aligners are removed to eat, drink and clean your teeth. This means you can continue to eat your favorite foods like popcorn and chips without worrying about damaging the wires or brackets. It’s also easier to brush and floss teeth without having to navigate around braces.
Orthodontic treatment is frequently perceived as being lengthy with numerous visits to the dentist for adjustments and progress checks. With metal braces, this can mean taking time away from school or work and rearranging your schedule every few weeks. Another of the hidden Invisalign benefits is convenience.
Invisalign uses a series of pre-designed trays or aligners that are worn and replaced for the next in the series every two weeks. This means patients need only visit their dentist or orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for a quick checkup and to collect their next sets of aligners.
But there’s more …
You can be sent home with aligners for the next few months, allowing for more remote care and fewer disruptions to your schedule. This provides you with more time for daily activities and commitments.
Ask anyone who has worn traditional braces and most of them will say they were embarrassed to wear them and suffered a loss of confidence. Teens and adults, in particular, are often reluctant to undergo orthodontic treatment with metal braces. However, Invisalign and its nearly invisible appearance has changed all that and to date, more than 18 million teens and adults have transformed their smiles using Invisalign.
Invisalign gives a confidence boost to anyone wishing to straighten their teeth without the world knowing about it. It’s beneficial for professionals needing to meet regularly with clients; teens and even younger children can avoid the awkwardness associated with metal braces in their school years.
Orthodontic treatments can sometimes take a few years to complete but for some patients, their treatment can be shorter with Invisalign. Although the exact treatment time varies from one patient to another, Invisalign offers several systems from Invisalign Express to Invisalign Full, meaning treatment times range from as little as three months to 18 months which is still faster than the average time with traditional braces of two years.
Thanks to advanced imaging technology, Invisalign treatment plans are more precise than ever and allow for more efficient tooth movement. This technology can also show you how your end smile will look and give you a better idea of how long the treatment should take.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment, hopefully, this article has shown you that Invisalign benefits go way beyond just straightening teeth. From enhanced comfort to fewer visits and faster results, Invisalign is the modern way for people of all ages to achieve their perfect smile and avoid the downsides of traditional braces.
At Chesterfield Dentistry, we specialize in providing personalized, cutting-edge dental solutions, including Invisalign. Our expert team is here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams as comfortably and conveniently as possible.
Don’t wait to improve your smile and boost your confidence. Call us at 314-936-362 or visit our website to schedule your Invisalign consultation today!
With Invisalign at Chesterfield Dentistry, you can enjoy all the hidden benefits of clear aligners while transforming your smile.