As an adult, the thought of getting braces can be daunting. The idea of having to wear traditional metal braces for months or even years can be enough to put many people off. However, there is an alternative that is gaining popularity – Invisalign. Invisalign is a great option, particularly for adults who want to improve the alignment of their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used to straighten teeth. It is an orthodontic procedure that progressively moves teeth into the correct position using a set of personalized clear plastic aligners.
Unlike conventional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made of a unique thermoplastic material that is nearly invisible and more comfortable. For individuals who wish to straighten their teeth without having to wear metal braces, Invisalign is comparable in price.
How Does it Work?
To get Invisalign, you’ll have to have a consultation with an Invisalign provider to determine if it’s the right treatment for you. If so, they’ll take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a 3D image of your mouth and map out your treatment plan.
Once you start your treatment plan, you’ll receive a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are designed to gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. You’ll typically wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in the series. You’ll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss.
There are plenty of benefits to wearing Invisalign as an adult as opposed to wearing braces. Here are a few of them:
Benefits of Invisalign as an Adult
Appearance
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible. This is a huge advantage for adults who may be self-conscious about the appearance of metal braces. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. This discreet style is why many adults choose invisible aligners over braces.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic material that is comfortable to wear. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners don’t have any sharp edges or wires that can cause discomfort or irritation. Although wearers can experience some discomfort with their teeth repositioning, the general fit of the aligners spares them a lot of pain.
Convenience
Since these clear aligners are removable, you can take them out when you need to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. This is a huge advantage for adults who have busy schedules and don’t have time for the extra maintenance that comes with traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can continue to eat your favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene without any problems.
Cost- Effective
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment that can address a wide range of dental problems, including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Invisalign treatment typically takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces, but the length of treatment can vary depending on the complexity of your case. In general, some patients won’t need to visit the orthodontist as frequently with braces. In most cases, Invisalign may be a more cost-effective option.
No Need to Avoid Certain Foods
Due to the removable nature of Invisalign aligners, there is no need to avoid certain hard and chewy foods. People who wear braces have to avoid a list of certain foods, including nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. You can eat whatever you want with Invisalign, as long as you remember to brush your teeth after eating. And remember to put your aligners back on!