Having crowded or misaligned teeth is more than just about aesthetics. Orthodontic concerns must be addressed to avoid risks of dental disease, and yet, many adults have reservations about getting braces. No one wants to wear the ugly metalwork for months. Fortunately, there are better alternatives now. If you have orthodontic issues, consider meeting your family dentist in Southfield, MI, to discuss the option called Invisalign®. In this quick guide, we will discuss Invisalign in more detail.
An Overview of Invisalign
Invisalign® is considered an alternative to traditional braces that consists of an almost invisible aligning system. There is no metal involved, and the Invisalign trays are made of plastic. The aligning trays are custom-made for each patient, and every few weeks, a new set of aligners is provided according to the progress of the treatment. Invisalign offers many benefits over standard metal braces. Firstly, the trays are almost invisible, which makes them a better choice for adults who don’t want to have metalwork in their mouths. Secondly, Invisalign trays are removable, getting rid of the very constraints that braces pose. You can remove your trays while eating and brushing, and there is practically no impact on your overall lifestyle.
“Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?”
Your dentist is the best person to decide whether you will benefit from Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is best reserved for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. This could be an option for overcrowding, gapped teeth, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
How is Invisalign different from dental veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the natural teeth to get a straighter, whiter smile. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure and don’t correct orthodontic issues. Yes, you may benefit from veneers if you have mildly gapped teeth, but for misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign, are better. On the other hand, Invisalign is ideal for correcting your smile permanently. Invisalign may not correct extreme cases of crowded teeth or overbites, but it is still a choice for many patients. However, unlike veneers, these clear aligners will not give you a whiter smile. If you compare Invisalign trays with traditional braces, the latter is often known to poke and cause discomfort. Because the trays are removable, there is more comfort. Note that wearing clear aligners requires commitment. If you want to straighten your smile for good, you must wear the trays for at least 22 hours each day.
What is the procedure like?
Your dentist will start with a comprehensive checkup to check whether your orthodontic issues can be fixed with Invisalign. If you are a good candidate, they will plan the treatment accordingly. They will take 3D images of your jaw, which will guide them in designing the trays. They can also show how your teeth will look after the treatment. They will order the first set of aligners. Each patient needs a set of aligners, often as many as 20 for each arch. You will return for appointments to check the outcome, and after each appointment, you may get a new set of trays. Invisalign treatments require both time and commitment.
Final word
Most patients need time to adjust to the trays. While you can remove the trays at will, it is essential to wear them as much as possible. Always remove the aligners while eating and drinking because if you fail to keep your teeth clean, you may experience other issues like tooth decay. Always choose a reliable and known clinic in Southfield for your treatment. If you have any concerns, talk to your dentist in detail and get an estimate of the entire treatment.