Having straight teeth isn’t just about having a beautiful smile. Straighter teeth lead to better oral care and an overall healthy mouth. But what are the treatments for getting straighter teeth, and which one is right for you?
Invisalign is a dental treatment that works to straighten teeth, but how does it work, what are the benefits, and is Invisalign better than braces? If you’re thinking about Invisalign in Fort Worth, here are some important things to know.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. The dental treatment consists of using clear plastic aligners to move misaligned teeth into a better position. Instead of having dental appointments where your braces are adjusted, you will receive new aligners that will move you to the next phase of your treatment.
Invisalign may be able to fix severely misaligned or crooked teeth, as well as an array of other oral issues like overbite, gaps, and crowding. Most people are a candidate for Invisalign, so talk to your Invisalign dentist to see if the treatment is right for you.
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces: Benefits of Invisalign
Even though traditional metal braces have a long history of success, there are plenty of reasons to choose a more modern treatment like Invisalign. For some, Invisalign may not be the chosen method for your case, but in many cases, Invisalign provides a great alternative to metal braces.
Here are some benefits and reasons to choose Invisalign.
Comfort
Overall, many people enjoy the comfort of Invisalign as opposed to the metal brackets that rub up against the insides of your cheeks and cause irritation. It should be noted that there is an adjustment period in which you’ll feel pressure from the new aligners, but it subsides rather quickly. If you find that your aligners are irritating your gums, talk to your dentist to adjust your fit.
Transparency
Another perk of Invisalign is that the aligners are made of clear plastic, meaning that they’re nearly invisible. Discreet dental care is preferable for many teenagers and even adults with professional careers because they don’t want to draw attention to their dental work. For many people, once Invisalign is in your mouth, you can hardly tell it’s there.
Oral Care
One of the challenges of metal braces is caring for them. Food particles often become lodged in the brackets and wires, making it hard to keep your teeth free from excess plaque and build-up.
A benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Removable aligners mean that you can brush and floss your teeth fully before you put them back in. Brushing the entire surface area of your teeth means that you’re less likely to have any cavities and keep your teeth healthy.
Time
While each case is different, the average amount of time to wear braces is anywhere from 18 months to two years. However, with Invisalign, the time may be shortened depending on your case. Some people only have Invisalign for 6 months, while others need a couple of years to complete treatment.
Eating
With metal braces, it’s important to avoid certain foods like sticky and hard candies. These types of foods can break your brackets or ruin your teeth because they’re hard to remove with brushing and flossing.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat almost anything without having to worry that your aligners will break. Be sure to brush your teeth well after eating to keep your teeth healthy and clean while you wear your aligners.
Should You Choose Invisalign?
There are many benefits to Invisalign, but there are also patient responsibilities. Invisalign cannot work on its own but does require some effort for you, the patient.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re going to choose Invisalign.
Wearing Aligners
A great benefit to Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. But to keep your treatment on track, you’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day, including nighttime. Always remember to reinsert them after brushing or eating to make sure you’re getting the most out of your treatment.
Caring For Your Aligners
Your aligners may harbor and collect bacteria, so you must clean them regularly. They may also become cloudy if not cleaned. A quick scrub with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinsing should do the trick, but your dentist can give you instructions and tips on how to keep them cleaned.
Keeping Appointments
At each appointment, you will receive a new set of aligners which will take you to the next phase of your treatment. If you end up missing appointments, this will push your treatment farther back. Be sure to keep your appointments the best you can.
Post-Treatment
Once your treatment is over, you can begin to enjoy your beautiful smile! However, there are usually post-treatments that you need to maintain to keep your smile intact, like wearing a retainer or coming back for check-up appointments. Participating in your post-treatments is an important step to make sure your smile stays in great shape.
Finding an Invisalign Provider
Not all dentists are Invisalign providers. When you’re thinking about getting Invisalign, you want a provider who has the experience, training, and knowledge about the treatment. If possible, ask your dentist to show you pictures of their work.
Forth Worth Invisalign for You
So is Invisalign better than braces? It’s a completely personal choice, but there are many good reasons to choose Invisalign to help you get the smile you want and deserve.
Are you looking for a skillful Invisalign provider in Fort Worth? We serve the Fort Worth area with expertise and compassion. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
