Invisalign—A Tooth Straightening Alternative to Metal Braces

Posted on: 6 August 2021

Do you desire to have straight teeth but do not want the hassles that can come with metal braces? For many years, metal braces were the only orthodontic solution for individuals who wanted straight teeth. This posed a dilemma for individuals who did not want it to be apparent that they had ongoing orthodontic treatments. It also meant that some individuals could not get their teeth straightened due to issues such as metal allergies or sensitivities

Today, the specialized field of orthodontics has advanced. There are many options available to individuals who want straight teeth. Invisalign is a discrete and effective orthodontic solution. Custom-created clear aligners are created to be worn over teeth like a mouthguard. Since the aligners are clear, they are virtually undetectable. The following points identify a few reasons you might want to consider Invisalign.

Comfort

One of the main complaints that some traditional braces wearers have is pain. For most, the pain is not excruciating but rather uncomfortable. The wires from the metal are the usual culprit. Brackets can also break and irritate the inside of your mouth. Invisalign aligners are uniform single pieces that fit over teeth. New aligners are created as the teeth shift into position. Some individuals might experience mild discomfort as their mouths adjust to new aligners. However, this is not categorized as pain but can be remedied with an OTC pain reliever for comfort purposes. 

No Restricted Foods

Traditional braces have brackets and individuals who have braces are usually given a list of foods to avoid. Some of the foods on the lists are hard and pose a threat to the integrity of the brackets. Eating restricted food is one of the top ways that brackets get broken. Other foods on the list are sticky foods that can get trapped in brackets and are difficult to remove. Invisalign affords individuals the choice to continue to eat the foods they enjoy. 

Easy Oral Hygiene 

Properly cleaning between the brackets of metal braces can be arduous. This is why some individuals end up not cleaning theirs thoroughly. There is a high risk for problems such as decay to occur when proper oral hygiene practices are not followed. Invisalign wearers remove their trays and brush and floss their teeth as they normally would. 

An orthodontist is a good resource to use to determine if Invisalign is right for you. They can examine your oral health and lifestyle. Many orthodontists offer their prospective patients estimated treatment times, which can be beneficial because it gives individuals an idea of when they will see results. To learn more, contact services like Oak Ridge Dental Arts.

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