A Beginner Guide To Invisalign® Braces

There is practically a dental procedure for each problem. Among the most common dental procedures is orthodontic treatment. This treatment involves using different types of braces to fix teeth misalignment or wide gaps between teeth. Orthodontics has been around for decades, and each year it gets better, thanks to the advancement in technology. That said, clear braces are one of the most appreciated developments in the orthodontic field.

Just not so long ago, you had to wear metal braces for months to correct misalignment or wide gaps between teeth. Most people found metal braces uncomfortable and unaesthetic. For that reason, orthodontic treatment was considered a procedure for children between 12 and 16.

Now, even adults can enjoy orthodontic treatment benefits, thanks to the introduction of transparent aligners such as Invisalign®. These aligners are clear, removable, and comfortable. Still, they function pretty much like traditional braces, and they get the job done. In this blog, we will discuss Invisalign® in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is Invisalign?

It is a clear, transparent, and comfortable orthodontic option that uses aligners. Aligners are like metal braces in terms of results, but there are some differences in how they two work. Still, they take almost the same time to fix a similar problem.

Differences Between Metal And Invisalign Braces

• Clear aligners are removable, while metal braces are fixed with brackets and wires.
• Clear aligners are popular among adults, while kids mostly use metal braces.
• Invisalign braces are aesthetic, but traditional braces use metal, which is not so aesthetic.
• Clear aligners are easy to maintain since they are removable, but metal braces can trap food underneath the brackets, increasing the risk of cavities and infections.
• You can eat and drink with metal braces, but you have to remove Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything that is not water.

The material used to make Invisalign is safe and FDA-approved. It does not cause any gum irritation, and it has been used for over 20 years to correct millions of malocclusion cases. Both approaches take pretty much the same time to fix an issue. Some people have been led to believe that Invisalign aligners work faster, but that’s not the case. If a problem takes 18 months with metal braces, it will likely take the same time with clear aligners.

Benefits of Invisalign

Metal braces are excellent at correcting orthodontic problems. In fact, some cases can only be corrected with traditional braces. Still, clear aligners have several advantages over metal braces. These advantages/benefits include:

• Clear aligners are way more comfortable than metal braces.
• Clear aligners are easy to maintain proper oral hygiene, and they have a lower risk of developing dental infections.
• Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take all your favorite foods without worrying that you might compromise the treatment.
• Clear aligners save time and money since you won’t need to visit the dentist now and then with orthodontic discomforts. You only need to visit him a maximum of four times a year throughout the course of treatment.
• Invisalign treatment is discreet since the aligners are clear/invisible. No one will need to know you are under treatment.
• You can know what to expect from the treatment. The dentist shows you a 3D picture of how your teeth are likely to appear after the treatment.

How Long Does Clear Aligners Treatment Take?

The treatment duration is determined by the severity of the problem and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions. It can take between six months and three years for severe orthodontic problems. Your dentist will give you the estimated duration before the beginning of treatment.

That said, you should not eat or drink with your aligners. The only thing you can take is water. Then, ensure that you wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day and change them every 14 days. Your dentist will provide you with extra aligners for that. If you wear aligners for fewer hours or fail to change them every 14 days, your treatment may take longer than estimated.

Belvidere Dental

If you are looking for orthodontics near you in Belvidere, you are in the right place. We can help you with all types of orthodontic problems as well as other dental problems. Book an appointment today.