Invisalign®: A Discreet Way To Straighter Teeth

Invisalign® clear aligners offer a way to straighten teeth without braces. Not everyone is comfortable wearing obvious brackets and wires, so clear aligners present a more flexible and discreet alternative. Explore this and the other benefits of Invisalign clear aligners and determine if you are a candidate.

Overview of Invisalign

Treatment with clear aligners involves wearing a series of clear custom-fit trays that use gradual pressure to straighten teeth. About every few weeks, the patient gets a new set of clear aligners. With each new set, the patient gets a little closer to the smile alignment they desire—all without braces.

Advantages of clear aligners

Here are just a few of the possible benefits that come with these clear aligners:

Discreet and flexible teeth straightening

People interested in straightening their teeth but do not want to wear traditional metal braces should look into Invisalign clear aligners. One of the most attractive advantages of Invisalign clear aligners is their discreet nature. The aligners are clear and barely noticeable when worn. In addition, the patient can take them out for short periods, such as for a sporting event or when having a photo taken.

Faster treatment times

Invisalign treatment can often take less time than traditional braces. Treatment time with these aligners averages between 10 and 18 months. In addition, a provider can suggest ways for the patient to speed up their treatment. Also, Invisalign aligners consist of SmartTrack™, a high-quality plastic material that improves the precision and speed with which the teeth move.

Easier to keep clean

Braces can make it difficult to clean the teeth after meals, even with correct brushing and flossing techniques. However, Invisalign clear aligners are removable for eating and cleaning. Patients can rinse the aligners and brush and floss without metal wires and brackets getting in the way. Patients remove the aligners and place them in the tray when cleaning their teeth. This way, patients are less likely to lose the aligners.

Greater comfort

While any orthodontic treatment will take some getting used to, several patients report that clear aligners are easier to adapt to. Traditional braces can have brackets with wires and sharp edges that irritate the inside of the lips and cheeks. Custom-fit Invisalign aligners have smooth contours that do not irritate the mouth's tissues.

Does not interfere with eating habits

Regular braces require some adjustments to eating habits. However, this is not the case with Invisalign clear aligners. Because the patient can take them out for eating and drinking, patients do not have to worry about things like drinking beverages that can stain the aligners or knocking off brackets by biting into an apple.