Crooked teeth can not only cause people problems aesthetically but can also lead to headaches, problems chewing food and an uncomfortable mouth. To fix their smiles many people get braces, metal wires used to pull their teeth into shape, but the prospect of wearing metal in your mouth isn’t for anyone. So what can you do if you want to straighten out your smile without needing to wear a metal wire in your mouth? You can try Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment which straightens the teeth without the use of metal braces, instead, Invisalign involves wearing a series of custom made, personalised clear plastic aligners that slowly shift the crooked teeth into the right position.
How does Invisalign work?
If you decide to get Invisalign treatment your orthodontist will first start by taking a scan of your mouth, this enables them to plan how best to align your teeth through a series of small improvements made by each Invisalign aligner. They can even manipulate your 3D scan to show you how your new smile will look on completion of your treatment.
Next, using this 3D scan of your mouth your custom Invisalign aligners are created using 3D printing. Your aligners are unique to your future smile and mouth shape and are created out of clear plastic so that they are virtually invisible when worn. These aligners are then trimmed to fit your unique gum line to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible. The number of aligners you need and how frequently you need to change them will depend on the degree of movement your teeth need to undergo, but treatment can take as little as 3 months.
What are the differences between braces and Invisalign?
Apart from the obvious fact that Invisalign aligners are clear and therefore less bulk than braces there are also a number of other beneficial differences:
- You can continue to eat and drink what you like
Unlike with braces, there’s no need to change the food and drink you eat when using your aligners. - You can still partake in sports
Braces can cause oral injuries if worn during certain sports, especially those in which there is a risk of contact and so some dentists advise children and adults to avoid them during the time that they are wearing their braces. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, pose no oral risk and so can be worn during sport or simply removed if necessary. - You can brush and floss as usual
With no pesky wires in the way, you can simply brush and floss as usual when wearing Invasligners, perfect for those who don’t want any extra fuss.
Where can you get Invisalign treatment?
If you’re sold on Invisalign treatment then your next question will likely want to know how to choose the best Invisalign orthodontist. The key thing to remember here is that you are dealing with a highly technical procedure and it’s therefore important that your treatment is conducted by an expert, after all, poorly made aligners could result in a poorly altered smile. So do your research and don’t just automatically go for the cheapest option.
If you decide to get Invisalign for teens or adults, your orthodontist will first start by taking a scan of your mouth, this enables them to plan how best to align your teeth through a series of small improvements made by each Invisalign aligner. They can even manipulate your 3D scan to show you how your new smile will look on completion of your treatment.
Have you tried Invisalign? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
COMMENTS MAKE ME HAPPY!