Teeth misalignment is a common dental problem in children, but it can also occur in adults. Previously, metal braces were the only orthodontic treatment to align crooked teeth. Although effective, wearing traditional braces can be uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasing. For this reason, most teenagers and adults tend to postpone or avoid orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, Yonkers Dental Arts offers an excellent alternative to traditional braces – Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that gently uses a set of clear aligners to gently pull your teeth into the proper position over time. They are a preferred choice for most people, including teenagers and adults, due to numerous benefits that include:
Comfortable
Clear aligners are made of BPA-free plastic; they have a smooth finish and are more comfortable than traditional braces; they eliminate the discomfort of wires and metal brackets. Although traditional braces effectively straighten teeth, the metal brackets usually dig and cut into your cheeks and lips. Consequently, they leave sores that are difficult to heal. Applying outside your brackets can help, but the effects are usually short-lived.
Virtually invisible
The aesthetic factor of Invisalign has to be among the top reasons why these aligners are popular. Unlike metal braces which everyone can see, clear aligners are hardly noticeable. Therefore, they are excellent options for adults and teenagers who may be self-conscious. Several celebrities have worn clear aligners on the red carpet without making it obvious they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. With clear aligners, you do not have to worry about smiling when taking pictures or about everyone complimenting your new braces.
Easier flossing and brushing
One thing about metal braces is that food particles will get trapped in the brackets, and removing them can be a challenge. For this reason, traditional braces increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. However, clear aligners are removable; you can take them out during routine brushing and flossing. You do not need special equipment to clean your teeth, and you can also clean the inside of your aligners to ensure no food particles and bacteria are trapped inside. Besides a better dental formula, you also want healthy teeth by treatment.
Fewer dental visits
If you have had metal braces before, you are probably aware of how many times you have to visit your orthodontist. These visits may involve tightening brackets, replacing or removing a bracket, adjusting wire size, or placing elastic bands. A single appointment may take up to one hour, so frequent visits can be time-consuming.
With Invisalign, most of the orthodontist’s work occurs before getting your aligners. You will have a set of aligners that you will need to replace every two weeks. No extra dental work is necessary, so you require fewer visits which are usually much shorter and not intrusive.
No diet restrictions
Clear aligners are removable, meaning you can eat all foods you used to before getting the aligners. However, your diet may be restricted to soft foods such as mashed potatoes and rice with metal braces. Sticky, chewy, hard foods like candy and popcorn can loosen or break a bracket, interfering with orthodontic treatment.
If you want to straighten your teeth, consult your dentist at Yonkers Dental Arts to know whether Invisalign is the proper treatment.
