Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is a relatively new procedure in cosmetic dentistry, but it’s been growing in popularity every year because of the many benefits it offers. This includes:
- Nearly invisible
- Completely removable
- No special cleaning required: brush and floss normally
- No diet restrictions
- Comfortable plastic aligners instead of potentially sharp brackets and wires
- Comparable treatment time for most cases
- Fewer and shorter dental visits
- Gentle on cosmetic dentistry and restorations
Because of these benefits, most people who are good candidates for Invisalign will choose this type of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign can be used by adults and teens and takes about the same time as braces most of the time. There is even a shorter course of aligners called Invisalign Express that is used for people who have minor cosmetic problems, such as those caused by forgetting to wear a retainer after previous orthodontics. Invisalign Express takes only ten weeks to complete.
Benefits of Straight Teeth
You might think that straightening your teeth is just for cosmetic reasons, but the truth is that straight teeth have many important benefits, including:
- Easier to clean
- Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease
- Less risk of receding gums or bone loss
- Less wear on teeth
- Reduced risk of chipped or fractured teeth
- Improved personal and professional relationships
- Less risk of biting cheeks and tongue
- Better digestion
This combination of health and social benefits along with the cosmetic benefits that you will enjoy make straightening your teeth a great decision. It can have a huge impact on your life, which is why many adults are choosing to straighten their teeth with braces as a good investment in themselves and their quality of life.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works on the same basic principles as traditional braces. By applying force to the teeth, Invisalign encourages the body to reshape the bone around the teeth, allowing the teeth to move into the desired position. The difference with Invisalign is that instead of metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners are used to apply this force.
During your first consultation, we will take a digital image of your teeth. This image will be used to determine the ideal set of movements for your teeth to get from their current position to their desired position. The instructions are then used by Invisalign to manufacture your set of clear plastic aligners. Each of these aligners will try to move your teeth a small amount. After you wear an aligner for two weeks, you switch to the next aligner.
At first we may want to see you between each aligner, but soon we will give you several aligners so you can visit our office only every four to six weeks or go even longer between visits. And visits will be quick checks on your progress followed by giving you a new set of aligners.
After you finish all the aligners, your teeth will be in their desired final position. It is important that you wear a retainer to help ensure your teeth stabilize in their new place.
Limitations of Invisalign
Although Invisalign is a great new approach for straightening your teeth, it does have its limitations. Invisalign can’t apply the same forces that braces can, so it’s not good for certain kinds of tooth movements, such as rotating teeth and pulling teeth up. In general, it’s not good for highly complex cases, especially cases where you may have TMJ.
The only way to know for sure whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to be evaluated in person by a cosmetic dentist. To schedule a consultation about Invisalign in Wilmington, NC, please call (910) 392-6060 or email Kuzma Advanced Dentistry.
