At my age, I’ve always wondered how I can have my teeth aligned without being forced to wear those ugly braces I see on kids and teens. New products that would suit each person’s needs are always being invented through advancements in technology. In recent years, Align Technology has developed Invisalign – a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and Aurora dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.
The best and most obvious advantage of Invisalign is the completely transparent aligners. Most adults who are looking into straightening their teeth prefer Invisalign treatments rather than metal braces, which are commonly seen on children or adolescents. Many people also claim the aligners set by invisalign dentists to be more comfortable than metal braces. Another feature that makes it better than the rest is its removable feature allowing people to eat and brush their teeth without the uncomfortable dental appliance.
Proper use of the aligners indicates that they should be removed before eating, drinking beverages (there’s no problem with drinking water while they are on), or brushing teeth. One of the most important parts of Invisalign treatments and other orthodontic treatments is computerized planning. The computerized treatment planning allows the patient to review the expected smile design, the duration of the treatment, compare with different plans, and helps make a better decision on whether or not to undergo the treatment.
Invisalign aligners also avoid the most common side effects of having fixed dental appliances, especially the effect on the gums and supporting tissues. Up to fifty percent of patients with fixed metal braces experience demineralization and tooth decay. It has also been reported that fixed appliances can cause the roots of the teeth to shorten. Since invisalign gives less force than metal braces, there is less pain on the patient.
Invisalign treatments not only look better but are also quicker and more comfortable, which is why a lot of people prefer them over others. A large-scale study showed that traditional appliances took an average of 36 months, with the longest treatment taking 96 months. The duration for Invisalign treatments, on the other hand, usually take only a year to 18 months. Of course, there are other methods such as surgery or implants that take only half the time to finish. Dental appliances or Invisalign are normally much cheaper than those quicker methods, however.