What Makes Invisalign Different From Braces?
Invisalign is a fantastic option to straighten your teeth, boost your confidence and help keep your teeth cleaner at almost any age! In fact, Invisalign has been successful for patients as young as 8 years of age all the way to 88 years of age! What a fantastic option for those looking to improve their smile, regardless of age.
What is Invisalign? How Does it Work?
For those that may not be as familiar with Invisalign, let’s review what exactly the product is and what it entails. Invisalign is a set of clear aligner trays that will slowly straighten your teeth. Unlike ordinary braces, Invisalign does NOT require brackets or wires. These clear aligner trays are made of a special type of plastic that is both flexible yet strong enough to provide the right amount of pressure to move teeth into the aimed position.
In some instances, patients will require something called “buttons” or attachments to be placed onto specific tooth surfaces to serve as anchor points where more pressure or rotation may be necessary for proper alignment. These attachments are made of composite material that is matched to your natural tooth color. They are then bonded to the tooth surface via a curing light. When your Invisalign treatment is completed the attachments and/or buttons can easily be removed by Dr. Yazdan, without damaging the surface of your tooth.
Benefits of Invisalign
While there are many benefits to wearing Invisalign, some of the most common reasons for choosing the popular brand over other aligner systems include the following:
- Invisalign trays are clear and often very difficult to see when you are wearing them, an often sought after feature compared to traditional braces that are more conspicuous when it comes to appearance.
- You can easily remove Invisalign trays when you need to, for meals or cleaning your teeth. It is recommended to remove Invisalign trays when you are eating and drinking. This provides better flexibility when you’re eating, compared to traditional braces. They’re also easier to keep clean!
- Oral hygiene will often improve during your treatment. Traditional braces can be very difficult to keep clean because of all the brackets and wires involved, but Invisalign can be removed whenever you need to brush and floss.
- Invisalign trays are much more comfortable compared to traditional braces. Braces use metal brackets and wires so it’s not uncommon to have mouth sores from friction and irritation where they rub the inside of your mouth. Invisalign trays are made of a custom-fitted plastic material that is custom designed for improved comfort.
- The digital design process makes Invisalign predictable and efficient for patients of all ages.
- When treatment is completed, you will receive a final tray, also known as a retainer. This will feel very similar to your previous trays and helps maintain results (so teeth don’t move back.)
The great news is that Invisalign works just as well as traditional braces. And because they’re virtually planned, we can usually show you a digitized preview of what your expected results will look like.
What to Expect
Like any personalized treatment plan, you will need to first plan a consultation. At the Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Desiree Yazdan and our team can evaluate your case and determine a step-by-step treatment plan specific to you and your smile needs. Once your Invisalign case is confirmed, you will receive your trays in increments. It’s usually recommended to have your dentist monitor your tooth movement throughout the process to ensure your teeth are progressing correctly, and if anything needs to be changed during the Invisalign process we can do so at that time.
Typically, your trays must be worn between 22-24 hours a day. Removing trays is usually only recommended for when you are eating, drinking, or completing your oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing at home. It’s normal to take some time to adjust to your new Invisalign trays and speak can be slightly altered for a bit until you adjust. Thankfully, most people adjust to the thin trays in their mouth after a few days.
Everyone’s smile is different, but Dr. Yazdan can provide you with an estimated timeframe for treatment during your initial evaluation. Some people complete their Invisalign within 6-8 months, while others may need around 12-18 months from start to finish.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
If you have reservations about your smile because of crooked, gapped, or generally misaligned teeth, then Invisalign could be an excellent investment. This holistic approach to your smile’s appearance offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. By correcting the alignment of your smile, you can reduce your risk of premature tooth wear and even lower your chances of conditions like cavities, gum disease, and TMJ disorder.
You’re never too old to finally enjoy the healthier, straighter smile you deserve. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, call the Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport Beach, today!
About Dr. Yazdan
