Invisalign vs. Braces
You have likely heard about Invisalign, the transparent aligners that can provide you with a straight and attractive smile. However, you may not have all the information about this amazing orthodontic innovation. Here are 8 valuable facts about Invisalign, including ways this aligner system can give you or your child a new smile discreetly and conveniently.
1. Invisalign is not just for adolescents.
Like driving tests and prom dates, people tend to associate braces with the high school years. Of course, some kids need braces before their teens, but the stereotype of the high school student with braces persists. What many people do not realize is that adults can also benefit from orthodontic correction.
Some adults may not have been able to get the orthodontic care they needed when they were children. Others may not have encountered orthodontic issues until they reached adulthood. Whatever the reason, adults can also enjoy a straighter smile from orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign is an option for many adult patients. Just speak to your Bela Family Dentistry of White Knoll dentist about your individual case. You may even have the chance to undergo treatment at the same time as your child.
2. Invisalign will not limit your diet.
Other than their appearance, one of the biggest complaints patients have about traditional braces is discomfort. Much of this discomfort is due to the metal components of traditional braces. Metal brackets can scrape your cheeks and lips, while the metal wires may poke your mouth painfully.
Invisalign eliminates this problem as the aligners are totally metal-free. In fact, Invisalign contains no metal or ceramic whatsoever. Instead, the aligners are made of high-grade thermoplastic for a comfortable fit with no poking or abrasions. The majority of patients report they find Invisalign much more comfortable than metal braces.
3. Invisalign really is practically invisible.
Patients with braces often find their diets restricted. Sticky foods like toffee or caramel candies are out since they can become stuck in your wires or brackets. Extremely hard foods such as some nuts are also to be avoided. Likewise, eating spinach or lettuce with braces can be an exercise in courage—you might have a salad hanging from your braces after your meal.
These issues do not exist with Invisalign because you simply remove your aligners before eating. Enjoy steak, salad, candy, or anything else you like. Just pop your aligner back in after your snack or meal.
4. INVISALIGN REALLY IS PRACTICALLY INVISIBLE.
Invisalign would be a poor name choice if the aligners were not completely transparent—and they are. When you are wearing Invisalign, people see your teeth instead of an orthodontic appliance. Unless they are up close and actively looking for your aligner, no one will be able to tell you are wearing Invisalign.
Invisalign is also invisible in photos. So, take all the group pictures or selfies you want. Your smile will be immortalized, but your aligner will not.
5. Celebrities love Invisalign too.
If your career depends on your appearance, you can’t afford to have your smile hindered by braces. Straight teeth are extremely important to those who are photographed or filmed all day. Invisalign is the answer, providing a photogenic smile without the need for braces.
It is not surprising that many celebrities have gone the Invisalign route. Tom Cruise certainly did not sport braces in any of the Mission Impossible films, but insiders say he did use Invisalign for an improved smile. The same is true of Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, Keira Knightley, and countless other stars.
6. Invisalign is sports-friendly.
Braces are problematic for sports and athletics. Certainly, contact sports like football and hockey can lead to oral injuries or damage to traditional braces. Even non-contact sports such as tennis, gymnastics, or volleyball may result in accidents causing damage to braces.
Once again, Invisalign allows you to sidestep this problem. Just remove your aligner before practice or a competition. If your sport requires a mouthguard, be sure to put it in place, and when you are done, replace your aligner. Invisalign makes participation in any sport easy and convenient.
7. You will receive a new aligner about every two-weeks.
Unlike braces, Invisalign requires no tightening. Instead, your dentist will provide you with a new aligner about every two weeks. These office visits will be brief and considerably more comfortable than having an adjustment to traditional braces. Once you receive your new aligner, continue to wear it diligently for at least 22 hours each day. You may remove your aligner for eating, brushing, and flossing but always sleep in your aligner. Before you know it, your treatment will be over, and you will be enjoying your new smile.
8. Treat your aligners with care.
Invisalign aligners are made of tough thermoplastic, but they are not indestructible. You will need to refrain from eating with the aligner in place, and, of course, always remove it before any kind of athletics.
Also, remember that your aligner can become stained. Any form of tobacco or colored beverages may discolor or darken your aligner. Additionally, hot beverages may warp your aligner. So, stick to clear drinks like cold water or club soda if you must drink with your aligner in your mouth. Otherwise, just take a few seconds to remove your aligner and prevent the possibility of damage.
REFERENCES
- “Living with Invisalign® Clear Aligners.” Invisalign, Invisalign.com, 2019, www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/living-with-invisalign.“
- Seven Celebrities Who Have Benefited from Invisalign.” Therapy Joker, TherapyJoker, 17 July 2018, therapyjoker.com/celeb-therapy/seven-celebrities-benefited-invisalign.“
- The Smile You Want, Minus the Interruptions.” Invisalign, Invisalign.com, 2019, www.invisalign.com
