Is Invisalign® A Good Option for You?
Does the thought of getting metal braces attached to your teeth freak you out? You are not the only one. Like many other adults, orthodontic treatments can be repulsive when you think of having metal brackets as the first thing people notice when your smile or talk. Fortunately, other options in orthodontics have provided an alternative for dental realignment procedures so that aesthetics is no longer an excuse to evade teeth straightening treatments.
What Is Invisalign?
It is a type of teeth aligner in dentistry used for orthodontic treatments. Invisalign® in Chester Springs, PA, is not like the regular metal braces you know about in orthodontics. Instead, they feature a plastic-like material fashioned into a tray of aligners that should be worn over teeth to move them. Thanks to the material used to make Invisalign, they are virtually invisible, which is why we sometimes call them invisible braces at Dentist of Chester Springs. The tray of aligners is created for a tight snug, applying controlled pressure on teeth for a prolonged period.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The creation of Invisalign braces is based on the impressions of your teeth. Once created, they place pressure on your teeth strategically to move and rotate them according to the treatment plan developed by your orthodontist. The first braces you get when you begin your treatment should get the job done for about six weeks before you need new ones. The only way to adjust Invisalign near you is by replacing them with new ones. This will continue throughout your treatment, requiring between 30 and 32 trays of invisible braces to realign your teeth.
When Would You Need Invisalign?
Needing Invisalign braces means that you have an orthodontic problem that can only be resolved in orthodontic dentistry. Some of the indicators that you may need to visit a dentist near you for orthodontic treatment are:
- If you frequently bite yourself accidentally – it could be a sign of an improper bite.
- If you have crooked teeth – are teeth that have grown in the wrong direction.
- If you have spaces between your teeth yet have not lost any teeth
- If you experience jaw pain, straining and discomfort regularly.
- When you have too many teeth in your mouth – more than the agreeable standard of 32 teeth for adults. It could be that some of your baby teeth did not fall off when they should have.
- If you have a crowded mouth – it happens when you have too many teeth in your mouth or when your teeth are too big for the amount of space in your jawbone.
Are Invisalign Braces the Right Aligners for You?
Although they have an incredible success rate, you still have to question the effectiveness of these braces for your individual case. Usually, getting Invisalign is a decision you come to when you liaise with your orthodontist. They have to examine your mouth to identify whether the aligners would work for you. Some factors to consider are:
- The complexity of your problem – complex orthodontic problems are not usually treated with Invisalign. Your dentist may recommend getting metal braces at the beginning of your treatment, then shift things up as your teeth straighten.
- Size of your teeth – if you have smaller teeth, metal braces may work better than Invisalign regarding moving them.
- Restorative procedures – have you undergone some restorative procedures before? You will have to fill your dentist in on the types of Procedures you’ve had before. Patients with dental implants, for instance, do not qualify for Invisalign braces.
- Aesthetics – one of the primary reasons why patients are inclined to try Invisalign braces regards aesthetics. Since they are virtually invisible, you can keep flaunting a beautiful smile while continuing your treatment in private.
- Flexibility – if you are adamant about changing your lifestyle to get your teeth straightened, perhaps you need Invisalign after all. They are removable, requiring that you remove them when you are eating. This feature takes off the pressure of changing up your meal choices to avoid damaging your teeth aligners.