There are various ways by which one can choose to have their teeth aligned, including the traditional metal braces and the new aligners such as the clear ones. However, Invisalign is completely different from the other teeth straightening methods that are available, and it has several advantages over the other methods. At Elara Orthodontics, we provide Invisalign treatment for children, teenagers and adults in Richmond, TX as well as Houston Heights, TX, integrating a comfortable, speedy, and almost invisible method for attaining the desired smile.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is a type of aligner that is made of clear plastic with the intention of providing teeth alignment without the use of braces. The system involve a number of plastic aligners that are worn in succession to gradually realign the teeth to their proper position. Each aligner is worn for about 20 to 22 hours daily and the wearer is supposed to change them from time to time depending on the recommendation of the dentist. Invisalign utilizes 3D imaging to come up with a treatment plan that would be followed during the course of the treatment to ensure that the results are as desired. See also: How do Invisalign Work
Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign: Some of the distinctions are as follows:
Appearance and Aesthetics
The second major difference that can be seen between Invisalign and the traditional braces is the look of the device. Metal braces are noticeable since they have metal brackets and wires that are fixed to the teeth. However, the current braces are smaller and not as conspicuous as the traditional ones, but they are still visible during the treatment process. See also Invisalign vs. Braces Comparison
On the other hand, Invisalign aligners come as clear plastic medical devices, which are hardly noticeable. This can be appealing to the adult and especially the teenager who may not want to wear braces that can be seen. With Invisalign, it is possible to fix your teeth and at the same time, you do not have to worry about the look of your mouth.
Comfort and Convenience
Now, let me list down some disadvantages of traditional braces: They are made of metal and therefore, the part that is protruding from the gums and your cheeks will be irritable. They also need occasional readjustment, which can be uncomfortable as the teeth are being pushed to fit into new positions.
The aligners of Invisalign, on the other hand, are made of plastic and it does not cause any irritation to the mouth since it is not sharp or made of metal. Since they are made to fit your teeth, you will not feel any discomfort when using the aligners. Moreover, Invisalign can be less time-consuming than other aligners since one does not have to visit the orthodontist frequently to change the aligners.
Oral Hygiene and Maintenance
It is very hard to brush and floss with braces since the food sticks to the wires and one is not in a position to reach all the regions of the teeth. The aligners that are used in Invisalign treatment can be removed at any time allowing the user to brush and floss his or her teeth properly. This helps in maintaining proper oral hygiene and thus keeps one with a healthy smile throughout the treatment.
Treatment Time
It is possible to have the treatment time for Invisalign to be the same as that of the traditional braces and this may take between one to two years. However, the time it takes to achieve the results with Invisalign depends on the degree of misalignment, the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners as recommended by the dentist. It is, therefore, faster to treat mild to moderate cases with Invisalign and some patients experience major improvements in as little as 6 weeks.
The conventional braces especially where there are other complications may take longer to cure. This is because the braces are fixed and may need adjustment from time to time as well as the pressure that is applied to ensure that the teeth are well aligned may take a while, hence the treatment may take one to two years.
Dietary Restrictions
Some foods like popcorn, nuts and chewy candies are prohibited during wearing of traditional braces since they may damage the brackets or get stuck on the wires. This can make meal planning more difficult and restrict your food choices during treatment.
Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, there are no special diets that one has to follow. All you have to do is to remove the aligners when eating and drink whatever you want without having to worry about the braces hurting your mouth. This flexibility makes Invisalign a more favorable option to many people especially the patients.
Risk of Tooth Damage
It can also lead to tooth damage in case a patient fails to wear the rubber bands or if they are not well placed. Also, food debris can get caught in the braces, thus causing cavities or discoloration of the teeth.
With Invisalign, the chances of damaging the teeth are slim since the aligners are constructed in a way that they fit the teeth tightly and properly. This also means that the aligners can be removed hence preventing the accumulation of food particles on the teeth thereby minimizing the chances of getting cavities during the course of treatment.
Invisalign vs Other Clear Aligners
It is not the only clear aligner system available in the market but the most popular and the most trusted one is Invisalign. Other clear aligner systems include ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub which can also be used to deliver clear aligners; however, there are several notable differences.
Technology and Customization
Invisalign aligners are manufactured with the help of 3D imaging and mapping technology to coming up with a proper plan that would help in the treatment of the patient. This makes the treatment more accurate as the aligners are provided to you according to the shape of your mouth and the position of your teeth. Some of the other clear aligner systems may not use such level of technology and therefore may lead to inaccurate alignment and therefore may take longer to complete the treatment.
Orthodontic treatment and care: Invisalign treatment is performed under the supervision of a licensed orthodontist or a dentist who will follow the patient’s treatment closely. This makes sure that the aligners are providing the correct pressure to the teeth and that the treatment is following the planned course.
Some of the other clear aligner systems like SmileDirectClub can be acquired without the need to visit the orthodontist regularly; you can have the aligners without the need for constant check up. Although it may be cheaper, it may not be as safe or efficient as the traditional method since there is no one to monitor you and ensure that you are doing the right thing.
Why Invisalign is the Best for Teeth Straightening?
When it comes to the choice between Invisalign in Houston and traditional braces, or any other form of teeth straightening, Invisalign has the upper hand in almost every way. The unique advantages that it offers in terms of look, wear-comfort, flexibility, and made-to-fit service make it a preferable choice to anyone who has misalignment issues. In Richmond, TX and Houston Heights, TX, Elara Orthodontics provides Invisalign for children, Invisalign for teens, and Invisalign for adults to give our patients the best options for teeth realignment.
It is normal to have some misalignment of teeth and, in such a case, Invisalign can be of great help. If you are interested in getting a straight smile and want to know how you can achieve it, then read on for more information and to find out how Invisalign could transform your smile.
See also: Pros and Cons of Invisalign