Years ago, the only option you had to straighten your teeth were braces made with brackets and metal wire. After the introduction of 3D printing technology, Invisalign was born. It was not long until Invisalign became a popular alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign aligners have been embraced by orthodontists and orthodontic patients for their many advantages.
Food Choices Are Not Restricted
When wearing metal or clear ceramic braces, you must avoid foods that are hard, chewy or sticky. These problematic foods can cause damage to the brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are removed for meals and snacks, so you can continue to eat the foods you normally would.
Teeth Are Easy to Care For
Your invisible braces are also removed to care for your teeth. You continue to brush and floss as usual. Plaque and tartar will not deposit around brackets. There is no worry about brackets causing damage to the tooth enamel.
Follow-Up Appointments Are Pain-free
You will need to visit your orthodontist to track your progress, but these follow-up appointments will seem effortless. With Invisalign, you will not need to have braces adjusted or tightened during an office visit. Fewer office visits are necessary for treatment than with traditional bracketed braces.
Comfortable and Discreet
You can improve your smile inconspicuously with Invisalign in Livermore CA, and the clear, invisible aligners are much more comfortable to wear. The trays fit smoothly over the teeth without rough brackets that can irritate your inner lips and tongue. Hardly anyone will notice your orthodontic treatment.
How Invisalign Works
When Invisalign was first introduced, the technology could only be recommended for patients who needed simple realignments. With the improvements in Invisalign technology, the transparent aligners can now be used to correct the bite, straighten teeth, close gaps and turn the teeth. This is how Invisalign works:
A specialized computer program helps your orthodontist develop a plan to move your teeth into proper alignment. The movement of your teeth is broken down into many stages.
For each stage of your transformation, aligners will be created to fit over your teeth. You will wear these aligners 20 hours a day for two weeks. The aligners will put just enough pressure on your teeth to encourage the repositioning.
You will then move on to the next set of aligners in your treatment program. You will wear each tray for the amount of time specified by your orthodontist. You will continue this process until you achieve the correct positioning. Your teeth are gradually repositioned.
The Risks of a Misaligned Smile
You may believe that straight teeth are a matter of cosmetic and aesthetic enhancement. While that is true, there are several other reasons to have your teeth straightened.
Crooked or turned teeth that do not fit together, or a misaligned bite, can leave you at risk for a variety of health concerns. You could experience any of the following complications:
- Teeth that are not aligned can be challenging to keep clean, leaving them susceptible to cavities
- Gums that do not fit properly around the teeth increase the likelihood of periodontal disease
- An unhealthy mouth can increase your risk of inflammation and heart disease
- An improperly aligned bite could cause stress on temporomandibular joints causing jaw and facial pain
With Invisalign, there is little reason not to achieve the healthy, attractive smile you have always wanted. When you smile freely, others may even find you more confident and approachable.
While Invisalign treatment may not be right for everyone, Invisalign could be right for you. Discuss Invisalign with your orthodontist. There are many advantages to straighten your teeth and enhancing your smile with Invisalign.
