America has an obsession with perfectly straight teeth and bright white smiles, but unfortunately for most of us, we aren’t born with a perfect set of pearly whites. Many people spend years of their lives and thousands of dollars trying to straighten their teeth for both cosmetic and health related reasons, and wearing braces has become almost a rite of passage for teens across the country. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the amount of adults seeking orthodontic treatments after missing out on the benefits in childhood. While many adults are excited about the transformation of their mouth post-braces, they dread the thought of having to wear metal brackets on their teeth for possibly a few years. Did you know that there is now an alternative to traditional metal braces that is nearly invisible to the naked eye? A product called Invisalign entered the market in 1999 and has changed the way we see (or don’t see) orthodontics. If you’re curious about this revolutionary product, read on to learn some fast facts about the clear alternative to metal braces!
1. Invisalign works similarly to regular braces.
Invisalign uses specially fitted clear plastic trays and controlled pressure to gently move teeth to their new desired location slowly over time, just as the tightening of metal braces would.
2. Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces.
Because there are laboratory fees involved in moulding your unique trays, Invisalign will typically cost more than metal braces. Some insurance companies can help with the costs.
3. You won’t need to spend as much time at the dentist.
Because there is no tedious tightening of wires, painless and quick checkups can be done at the dentist every six to eight weeks, just to make sure things are moving as they should.
4. It may impact your speech.
Even though Invisalign trays are thin and nearly impossible to see, they will still change the way your tongue hits your teeth. If you’ve ever spoken with a retainer in, you’ll know how even a small thing can change speech patterns. Most people adjust to the new plastic in their mouth quickly, however and speech returns to normal.
5. Invisalign is completely removable.
These trays fit over your teeth and are completely removable, just like a retainer. Invisalign should be removed at mealtimes and when brushing and flossing.
6. There are some cases Invisalign can’t fix.
While technology is constantly improving, there are some extreme cases that can’t be treated using Invisalign.
Our Plainfield orthodontics team will be able to assess your unique situation and see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
7. It takes time.
While Invisalign may help move your teeth up to a third of a millimeter every few weeks, it can still take months or years for the final results to happen. Diligence in wearing your plastic trays is essential in allowing Invisalign to do its job, and missing days can be detrimental to the movement of your teeth. Your orthodontist will be able to give you a better idea of your own personal timeline.
If you think Invisalign may be right for you or if you’d like to learn more, give us a call at Anew Dental & Orthodontics in Plainfield today!