HEALTHY LIVING TIPS

Invisalign is a fairly new orthodontic treatment system to straighten your teeth through the use of clear plastic molds. These invisible braces eliminate the metallic smile that is characteristic of traditional braces and are much more attractive looking than traditional metal braces.

The practically invisible braces called Invisalign gradually reposition your teeth into the straighter, more attractive smile you’ve dreamed about. The convenience and ease of Invisalign have made it the choice for well over 500,000 people in recent years.

With the Invisalign system, there are no metal wires or bands constantly irritating your mouth. Invisalign’s popularity may also be attributed to the fact that most people won’t even notice your braces and the braces won’t interrupt your busy lifestyle.

Invisalign Process

After you and your cosmetic dentist decide that Invisalign is the best option for you, he will use computer imaging to create the invisible braces. After taking bite impressions of your mouth, the dentist will use the Invisalign computer system to create a series of clear retainers. The very first one will fit the current configuration of your teeth, and each successive retainer will apply gentle pressure to move your teeth to their target alignments.

The number of applications will depend on your individual needs, but the average number is between 18-30. Each retainer is worn for two weeks, 24 hours a day (except during meals), and then the next aligner is used. The complete Invisalign teeth repositioning process takes the same amount of time as traditional orthodontics.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Many people would rather live with crooked teeth than entertain the thought of living with silver, painful braces for two years or more. The clear Invisalign system was created to introduce much-needed aesthetics to orthodontics. The clear braces allow you to brush and floss as you normally would, reducing the chances of staining and decay that often occur with traditional braces. Food and drink limitations are not necessary; if patients wish to eat or drink foods that may interfere with the braces, they can simple remove the retainer.

The disadvantages of the Invisalign system are few, if any at all. People who do not wear the retainers as directed may not see the results they desired. Some people with sensitive teeth and/or gums may feel some discomfort when they switch to a new retainer. These problems are certainly minor and rare, and most patients say the benefits far outweigh any problems.

The cost of Invisalign may be higher than traditional braces, and the cost depends on how many aligners need to be created for you to achieve the desired results. Your dental insurance may cover the treatment, but you should ask your insurance company directly what they cover regarding dental/orthodontic procedures before committing to anything.

By: Lynn Fugaro

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