Straightening crooked teeth isn’t just about creating a picture-perfect smile; it can help protect your long-term oral health. Thankfully, some options allow you to avoid metal braces and still enjoy the benefits of straight teeth.
One popular option is invisible aligners. They’re a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces. Learn More by calling us today.
Discreet
Having straight teeth isn’t just about cosmetics. Crooked or overlapping teeth are more likely to get damaged or decay and can contribute to issues such as TMJ disorder. Additionally, crooked teeth may be more difficult to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of gum disease. Fortunately, there are modern alternatives to metal braces that can give you straighter and cleaner teeth. Some of these options include clear aligners and lingual braces.
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that uses clear plastic trays to slowly push your teeth into an improved alignment. This is a less noticeable and more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces.
There are several benefits to getting your crooked or misaligned teeth fixed, including a healthier mouth, more self-confidence, and a better bite. It is also easier to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar when they are straighter, making them more resistant to cavities and other dental issues in the future. Finally, having a properly aligned bite can reduce or eliminate problems such as jaw pain and headaches.
When you opt for Invisalign, you’ll wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat and drink or brush your teeth. You’ll also need to visit your dentist or orthodontist for regular checkups and cleaning. The length of time that it takes to complete your Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient, but on average it lasts about 12 to 18 months.
Lingual braces are similar to Invisalign in that they are designed to help you straighten your teeth without affecting your appearance. The main difference is that lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, rather than the front like traditional braces. This means that they are more discreet, and they will only be visible when you smile.
Both lingual and Invisalign braces are a great choice for adults who don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of wearing metal braces. If you have crooked or overlapping teeth that are detracting from your smile, contact us today to see if either of these treatments is right for you!
Comfortable
Invisalign isn’t just about creating a picture-perfect smile; it also helps to improve the overall health of your teeth. Crooked and misaligned teeth can put you at risk for oral health issues, including gum disease. The good news is, that it doesn’t take long to straighten your teeth with a virtually invisible treatment option. Invisalign is a popular choice for adults and teenagers because it doesn’t involve traditional metal braces, which can be quite uncomfortable to wear and clean.
Studies show that teens wearing Invisalign experience less pain than those wearing traditional metal braces. The reason why is likely because teens are still growing and their mouths are more flexible. It’s also important to note that Invisalign does not require dietary restrictions like with traditional braces. You’re free to eat and drink your favorite foods during the treatment process, but you will need to remove your aligners before eating and then brush and floss before putting them back in. Eating with the trays in place can damage them, which will delay your treatment and stall your progress.
Having said that, the first few days with a new set of aligner trays can feel a bit sore as your teeth begin to adjust to the pressure. However, as you continue to wear them consistently (at least 22 hours a day) you’ll notice that they begin to get more comfortable. It’s also important to keep in mind that removing the trays for meals or snacks can cause them to feel tighter again because your teeth are under constant pressure to shift.
Some patients may also find that they have trouble getting the trays in and out easily, especially at first. If this is a problem, there are soft ’chewies’ available that can help you to get the aligners in and out more easily. Alternatively, there are also small hook tools that can be used to help you get the trays in and out without much discomfort. If you do have any discomfort, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help to reduce the symptoms.
Easier To Clean
While the duration of your Invisalign treatment varies, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day and remove them only to eat, brush, floss, and clean them. You can buy cleaning solutions and tablets specifically designed for your Invisalign trays, but you probably have some household products that can also help keep your trays clean and fresh.
It’s important to use non-abrasive cleaning products on your trays since using anything too gritty could scratch the plastic and dull its finish. You should also avoid scented and colored soaps, as these can stain your aligners. You can make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water, allowing your trays to soak in the solution for about 20 minutes. This will kill bacteria, which may help eliminate any odors that might have developed.
Another way to help eliminate odors is to rinse your trays with mouthwash, such as Listerine Cool Mint or another brand of mouthwash containing chlorhexidine. Many patients also find that soaking their trays in a solution of one part vinegar to four parts lukewarm water helps dissolve odor-causing food particles and plaque.
The best way to keep your trays clean is to practice good hygiene and follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist. Make sure to rinse your trays before and after every meal, before you put them in your mouth, and before you go to bed. You should also avoid sugary drinks, which can cause stains on your trays, as well as food that may get stuck in your aligners.
It’s a good idea to bring your aligner case with you everywhere you go, to protect them from stray debris and dust. You should also remember to bring a toothbrush and dental wipes with you, so you can clean your trays on the go. It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist before you travel so that they can check your teeth and make sure your aligners are in working order. This will ensure that you’ll have no problems while you’re away from home and will prevent delays in your treatment.
Removable
Invisalign is a popular brace for straightening teeth and has helped millions of people worldwide. Compared to standard metal braces, this type of orthodontics is discreet and has the added benefit of being removable. This allows patients to eat the foods they want and avoid some of the restrictions that come with fixed braces.
The Invisalign treatment process involves a consultation to discuss your smile goals and evaluate the condition of your teeth. He will take x-rays and photos of your teeth to get a better understanding of the status of your gum line and to help determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. He will then coordinate directly with Invisalign to create a specialized treatment plan that will take you to the smile you desire.
Clear aligners are customized to fit your mouth. During the process, your doctor will use digital scans (that eliminate the need for gooey impressions) to create a computerized model of your teeth. The model will show how your teeth should shift and the aligners will be fabricated to accommodate those movements. You will wear your aligners for about 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat and drink, brush and floss, and attend your regular appointments with your orthodontist.
It is important to wear your retainers as instructed to maintain your new, straight smile. Retainers can be easily misplaced and if you lose them for an extended period your teeth may begin to shift back to their original position. You can minimize this risk by putting your retainers in a safe place like in your case or using the handy retainer spray to keep them clean on the go.
Straight teeth are not just attractive; they also promote healthy teeth. They are less likely to develop plaque and tartar which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss, and they make it easier to clean your teeth with brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth healthy during the straightening process can even reduce future problems such as jaw pain and uneven wear on your teeth.