What Is Invisalign, and How Is It Different Than Traditional Braces?

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What Is Invisalign, and How Is It Different Than Traditional Braces?

May 17, 2021

If you're in the Sewell, NJ area and are considering braces, maybe you should look into Invisalign. What is Invisalign? This article will explain.

From 2013 to 2017, the sale of Invisalign increased from 100,000 to 235,000.

Are you looking to straighten your teeth effectively without wearing bulky braces? Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces.

When considering cosmetic dentistry, it is important that you know what your options are and which would be best for you.

What is Invisalign? Keep reading to learn the answer.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is one option in cosmetic dentistry to straighten your teeth. Through a series of custom-made aligning trays, Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth to the desired position.

The Invisalign aligners are made from BPA-free and flexible thermoplastic. Invisalign is also clear, so people often do not even know that you are wearing them.

Invisalign treatment can also include the use of attachments. These enamel bumps are the same color as your teeth, and they are attached to your tooth to help move specific teeth effectively.

With the addition of these attachments, people with more complicated tooth positioning issues are able to see results from using Invisalign.

At the beginning of your Invisalign process, you meet with your dentist for a consultation, and that consultation will determine if Invisalign is a viable option to straighten your teeth. Both adults and teenagers can use Invisalign.

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign straightens teeth, but it also fixes other cosmetic dental issues.

Through Invisalign, you can fix:

underbites (when your lower front teeth stick out in front of your upper teeth)
overbites (when your top teeth stick out in front of your lower teeth)
crossbites (when your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth)
overcrowded teeth (when a lack of space in your mouth or extra teeth cause teeth to overlap, bunch together, and twist)
gaps in teeth, also known as diastema (when there is too much space between teeth)
open bites (when your upper and lower teeth lean outward and do not touch when your mouth is closed)

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

On average, Invisalign takes 12 months to straighten your teeth fully. You wear each custom-made aligner for around two weeks, and then, once you are ready to progress in your aligner series, you change to a new aligner.

When you receive a new aligner, you will feel some pressure because your teeth are shifting into their predetermined position.

How long it takes for your Invisalign treatment to work also depends on how well you follow your dentist's instructions. Invisalign is designed to be worn for around 22 hours a day.

The two unaccounted hours are intended to be during meal time and when you brush your teeth.

There are colored indicators built into the aligners that fade color the more you wear your Invisalign. Your dentist can look at these indicators and know how well you are following the treatment plan.

It may take up to three or four months for you to notice the changes that the Invisalign is making to your teeth.

Lifestyle Benefits of Using Invisalign

One main benefit of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces is that they are clear.

For teenagers and adults, the thought of wearing traditional braces can be embarrassing. Because of Invisalign's clear aligners, you can straighten your teeth without everyone knowing.

Another significant benefit of Invisalign over traditional braces is their flexibility.

Invisalign users experience freedoms that are impossible to have with traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can eat all of the foods you want because you remove the aligners when you eat.

You can enjoy foods that are normally off-limits for those who have traditional braces like apples, gum, and hard candy without worry.

There are also fewer possible problems. When you wear traditional braces, there is always a chance that a wire will break or a bracket will fall off.

These issues lead to more time and money spent at the orthodontist or dentist's office.

Health Benefits of Using Invisalign

Brushing your teeth and other dental care is much easier to do with Invisalign than traditional braces because you remove the aligners before you begin. You do not have to buy special tools to brush or floss in between wires.

Invisalign also fits more comfortably than traditional braces. There are no wires or brackets poking and irritating the inside of your mouth and gums.

Because of their design, there is less risk of injury to your cheeks and tongue when playing sports or being active. If an accident occurred, there would be no injury from the brackets and wires of traditional braces.

Another benefit of using Invisalign is that Invisalign orthodontics are precise. Because each tray is custom-made for your teeth, the gradual movements of your teeth are calculated and exact.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Before making a decision between Invisalign and traditional braces, consider these questions.

Is my cosmetic dental issue one that Invisalign is capable of fixing?
Will I be responsible with the freedom and flexibility that wearing Invisalign allows me? Will I wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, clean them, and take care of my personal dental hygiene?
Do I want straighter teeth without the look of traditional braces?

If you answered yes to these questions, Invisalign might be the right choice for you.