Not long ago, you really only had one choice when you sought solutions for straightening your teeth: Dental braces. Today, patients of orthodontists may also be candidates for Invisalign, an alternative treatment. What are the benefits of Invisalign? The Invisalign system does away with the brackets and wires and rubber bands of braces. Invisalign involves sets of clear plastic aligners personalized in a way that moves teeth by applying pressure in the right places. If you think Invisalign might be for you, contact an orthodontist in Frisco, TX, or a geographic area closer to home. Your restored smile is out there for the taking.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign does what braces do — only without metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands. Though they serve a similar function, Invisalign and braces have significant differences.
Invisalign utilizes plastic and pressure to get your teeth into the spot where they belong. The process works by taking a mold of your teeth and creating a plastic “tray” that can be taken out and put back in as needed.
The tray is based on a “putty” impression of your jaw or newer technology such as a 3D scan of your mouth.
With braces, you face repeated visits to the orthodontist to tighten wires and ratchet up the pressure to move your teeth. In contrast, with Invisalign, you’ll be given new aligners every one to two weeks as the orthodontist choreographs your teeth into the right positions.
There are many benefits of Invisalign, but this system is not necessarily for everyone. Certain types of cases may not be amenable to Invisalign treatment.
Benefits of Invisalign
You might be wondering why you would choose Invisalign over standard braces. There are several reasons, including:
- Looks. Invisalign aligners are made of a clear plastic. People will be hard-pressed to see that you’re wearing one unless you point it out.
- Ease-of-use. The aligner trays are removable. You can take them out to eat and drink and brush and floss.
- No wires/brackets. One of the downsides of braces is they constantly need adjusting, and sometimes wires can come loose. Invisalign is all plastic.
- Time. Each case is different, but Invisalign is known to produce results that by comparison are quicker than braces.
- Flexibility. Because the aligners are plastic, they are easier to use during sports and other activities, worry free of injury.
If these sound right to you, contact your dentist to receive a free Invisalign consultation.
Rebuilding Your Smile
The benefits of Invisalign, as well as braces, make up two of the principal tools of cosmetic dentistry. The focus of cosmetic dentistry is to restore and/or reinforce the form and function of your teeth, so you can showcase the beauty of your smile.
There’s more involved in cosmetic dentistry than aesthetics, though. Sometimes, through heredity or circumstances such as an accident or illness, we experience dental problems that can disrupt our sense of normalcy. For instance, some people struggle with an overbite or underbite, which can make eating uncomfortable or smiling a thing of the past.
Braces and Invisalign put your teeth back to encourage you to flash the power of your smile. Other types of cosmetic dentistry techniques include dental bonding, bridges, and crowns, as well as teeth whitening, implants, and veneers.
On the Straight and Narrow
Do you think your teeth would benefit from straightening, and you’re intrigued by the possibilities of Invisalign? Consider contacting an Invisalign dentist in Frisco, TX, or someone with the same set of skills closer to your home to discuss the benefits of Invisalign. Invisalign-trained dentists will provide a risk-free consultation and suggested treatment plan to bring your teeth back in order in no time.
