For years, if a patient wanted to correct dental issues that they were experiencing like crowded teeth, an overbite or an underbite, they essentially had a single option available to them: traditional braces.
This is a treatment system that we're all familiar with, characterized by a series of metal brackets that are attached to each of a patient's teeth. A wire then connects those brackets together and, after a series of periodic adjustments, the strength of that wire gently "pulls" the teeth into the desired position over time.
Traditional braces are still around, and they remain just as effective as ever, but a viable alternative option has emerged that is very, very popular with millions of patients around the world: Invisalign.
Rather than using metal brackets and wires of any kind, Invisalign uses clear, invisible trays that essentially act as a "second set of skin" for your teeth. As a long-term treatment plan, Invisalign brings with it a host of unique benefits that are certainly worth considering.
An Overview of Invisalign
The clear, invisible trays that make up the Invisalign system are actually the product of a series of precise measurements of your mouth. Because of this, they're incredibly comfortable— many people find them far more comfortable than traditional braces, in fact.
But the key thing that differentiates Invisalign from traditional braces is the fact that the trays themselves are also removable. So not only are there no dietary restrictions to speak of (because you can just pop them out before you eat and pop them back in again when you're done), they're also far more convenient and fit into the active lifestyle of most patients in a better and more organic way.
How Does Invisalign Work?
One of the qualities that make Invisalign so unique is the fact that it essentially offers a unique digital treatment plan for every patient. Everyone's mouth is a little bit different and even a fairly routine situation like teeth crowding can vary wildly depending on the person in question. Because the Invisalign clear plastic aligners are created after taking precise measurements of your mouth, your dental professional can take ALL of these elements into consideration.
Over time, your teeth gradually move into the correct position after one set of aligners is swapped out for another every few weeks. This leads to not only fewer trips to the orthodontist (as wires and brackets don't need to be adjusted if they're not actually there) but faster trips as well.
While the total amount of time you will wear Invisalign will vary depending on your situation, most people find that average treatment lengths last between six and 18 months. Again, some dental issues take longer to correct than others, so answering this question is something that is difficult without a thorough examination.
Is Invisalign Right For You?
The vast majority of all people find that Invisalign is absolutely an ideal treatment option, especially when compared to traditional braces. This is true not only because they're so comfortable and discreet but also because they're so effective.
Having said that, there may be certain (rare) situations where Invisalign isn't the right move to make. But don't worry— we're here to help. During your initial free consultation, we'll perform an in-depth examination to determine exactly how much you will benefit from Invisalign treatment and, if you won't, what other options are still on the table for you to explore.