If you’ve been thinking about having your teeth straightened, then chances are you have at least heard about Invisalign. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic method that uses clear, removable aligner trays to straighten the teeth. It was developed in 1999 by Align Technology and since that time, 80,000 dentists have successfully used Invisalign to straighten 2.4 million smiles.
2.4 million is A LOT of smiles. And this number continues to grow daily. With so many people deciding to use Invisalign to straighten their teeth, you may be wondering what is so great about Invisalign. Well, there are many reasons why Invisalign is the best choice for orthodontic treatment, including:
Aligns the Teeth and Bite
Many people know that Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth, but not as many people know that Invisalign can also eliminate gaps between the teeth and correct overlapping teeth. Additionally, many people are unaware of the fact that Invisalign can properly align the bite as well as the teeth. This means that Invisalign can fix different types of malocclusion including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Easy
Undergoing orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is so easy since there are not as many “rules” like with metal braces. During treatment, you can expect to wear your aligner full-time, meaning at least 20-22 hours a day. In most cases, the only times you will be without your aligners is when you are eating, drinking something other than water, brushing your teeth, or flossing. Your dentist will also provide you with information on when to switch aligners, so all you need to do is set a reminder to do so.
Nearly Invisible
Like its name suggests, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. This is because they are made using a clear, thin material that fits snugly against the teeth. When compared to metal braces, many people appreciate that orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is far more discreet.
Comfortable
Not only does the snug-fit of the aligners help to make them blend with your natural teeth, but it also prevents them from irritating the gums. Additionally, Invisalign aligners do not rub or cut into your lips and cheeks in the same way metal braces do. Ultimately, clear aligner therapy is far more comfortable for patients than metal braces. However, you can still expect to experience minor soreness when switching to a new aligner.
Time-Saving
If you are really busy, then you’ll like the fact that Invisalign treatment can save you time. For starters, the average treatment length is shorter than that of orthodontic treatment with metal braces and averages about 12-18 months. Not only that, but each dental appointment takes less time as well, since there are no adjustments that need to be made. Instead, your dentist will provide you with the next aligners and explain when to switch them out. This also allows you to undergo less dental appointments throughout the duration of your treatment.
Affordable
Many people believe that because Invisalign has so many benefits, it must be more expensive than traditional metal braces. However, this is not always the case. While the total cost of your treatment will depend on your individual case and dental insurance coverage, in most cases orthodontic treatment with Invisalign and metal braces will cost about the same.
Similar Results to Metal Braces
Despite the fact that Invisalign and metal braces both use different appliances to straighten the teeth, they both use the same basic technique of applying pressure to gradually move the teeth. Metal braces use brackets and an archwire, while Invisalign uses specialized aligners made from SmartTrack® material. As a result, the end results and retention rates are similar for both treatments.
