You’ve heard about Invisalign, and although you might be intrigued, you’re probably still skeptical, right? How can a plastic mold of your teeth actually straighten them? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not! If you’ve contemplated the idea of getting Invisalign but are unsure if it will do everything your dentist says it will, let us answer some of your questions. Hopefully, it will help you to decide if this is the right treatment option for you.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
It’s obvious that with Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces, but what are the other benefits that make them so special? We’re glad you asked!
- Fully removable. You can enjoy all your favorite foods because your aligners are removable! Traditional braces can make it difficult to eat certain things, but with Invisalign, there’s no need to worry about food stuck between brackets.
- Easy to hide. Most people choose Invisalign because they can hide their treatment. This is because of the clear, plastic aligners that you wear to straighten your smile.
- Customizable. Your orthodontist will create custom molds that will align with your treatment plan. After wearing one set for two weeks, you’ll switch them out for the next set.
- Minimal discomfort. Naturally, with each new set, you might experience minor discomfort; however, Invisalign is designed to gently move your teeth to their desired position, not forcibly like traditional braces that require adjustments.
- No irritation. With Invisalign, there are no metal wires or brackets to irritate your gums and soft tissue.
What Else Does Invisalign Treat?
It’s normal to think that Invisalign only treats crooked teeth; however, that’s not the case. If you experience bite problems, gaps in your teeth, or overcrowding, Invisalign can correct them, too! Here’s how:
- Overbite: Invisalign can move your teeth so your top and bottom choppers align properly. When you go to chew or bite into food, you won’t face any pain or difficulty eating.
- Underbite: Aligners will move your lower teeth back. This will cause them to sit behind your front teeth, ultimately fixing your underbite problem.
- Open Bite: Want your teeth to meet when you close your mouth? Aligners can move upper and lower teeth into position, so they’ll close correctly.
- Crossbite: With Invisalign, your teeth will be moved into the proper place, preventing certain teeth from overlapping others.
- Gaps in Teeth: Spacing issues can create problems when it comes to food getting caught between your teeth and gums. Invisalign can close the gap and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Crowded Teeth: Depending on the severity of the crowding, Invisalign might be able to fix the problem; however, it is possible you may need traditional braces to fix the issue.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Depending on the type of correction you need, your age, and your level of commitment, you may or may not be a good candidate for Invisalign. If you need treatment for any of the above-mentioned reasons, Invisalign can certainly help. If you’re an adult or older teenager, you may want a treatment that doesn’t require you walk around with a mouth full of metal, and since your teeth are permanent, Invisalign might be a great option for you.
Finally, if you are dedicated to wearing your aligners as instructed by your orthodontist, you can expect successful treatment with this cosmetic solution.
Now that you know more about Invisalign, maybe you should talk to your orthodontist about getting started.
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, we want you to have a smile you are proud to show off. Our team of dental professionals can improve the look, function and overall health of your smile. Offering an appearance-friendly treatment option, you can say “no, thank you” to metal braces and “hello” to Invisalign. To learn more about this service, contact us at (434) 324-8241.