Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

Straightening teeth and correcting alignment used to mean a mouthful of metal braces. Thanks to advances in orthodontics, traditional metal braces are no longer the only option. Today there is a newer treatment called Invisalign, which consists of a series of customized aligners that gradually move your teeth into the correct position. Invisalign provides a unique method of improving your smile, along with several other benefits that traditional braces do not offer.

Invisible
The aligners are created from clear plastic, so they are practically invisible when worn. Unlike the bulky metal brackets and rubber bands worn with traditional braces, Invisalign retainers are hardly noticeable. This is very appealing to people who don’t want their braces to stand out in social or professional situations.

Removable
Invisalign retainers are not cemented to your teeth like metal braces. They can be removed for brushing and flossing, so that dental care is simple during your orthodontic treatment. You can also remove the aligners for special occasions like important social events or photographs. However, for the best results, you should follow your doctor’s instructions for the amount of time to wear the retainers.

Faster results
Treatment tends to take less time with Invisalign compared to traditional braces. Aligners are changed every two weeks to gradually move the teeth, which is a faster process than getting an adjustment at the orthodontist every six weeks or so with traditional braces. Often, patients undergoing Invisalign treatment achieve the desired results in only a year.

Sherman Oaks Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign Advantages

Unlike traditional methods of straightening your teeth, the innovative technology of Invisalign allows orthodontic patients to obtain a beautiful smile without all the hassles. Invisalign straightens your teeth and aligns your jaw with very little impact on your daily lifestyle. This type of orthodontic treatment offers advantages that other treatments cannot.


Appearance

One of the most obvious benefits of Invisalign is the fact that there are no wires or permanent appliances in your mouth. Instead, a series of removable clear aligners are worn over your teeth that are virtually invisible. You will not attract unwanted attention to your mouth when wearing Invisalign.


Comfort

The aligning trays are customized for your mouth, and progressively straighten your teeth without the need for unpleasant metal brackets and wires. Invisalign provides a relatively comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the irritation of traditional braces.


Removable

The fact that the aligners are removable is an appealing benefit. This allows you to remove them for important occasions like events or pictures. Keep in mind that the trays should be worn as much as your orthodontist advises for ideal treatment, but removing the appliances for certain occasions is possible.


No food restrictions

There are no restrictions about the kinds of food you may eat during treatment. You can still enjoy your favorite foods without risk of breaking wires or getting food particles lodged in your braces.


Oral care

Taking care of your teeth and gums is easy with Invisalign. You simply take out the aligners to brush and floss as usual. Also, there is no worry about food becoming caught in your braces. This helps alleviate the concerns of excessive tooth decay, bad breath, and other dental hygiene issues.

Invisalign dentist in Sherman Oaks, CA – schedule an appointment today with an Orthodontist for your Invisalign.

Do Straight Teeth Mean Healthy Teeth?

Achieving perfect teeth so that you have a beautiful smile is a goal for many people. But straightening your teeth also brings benefits in addition to an attractive appearance. Straight teeth can reduce your risks for tooth and gum problems. The inability for you, or even your dentist, to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums can increase your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Problems

  • Overcrowding – teeth that are too close together are hard to clean, which leads to accumulation of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria.
  • Malocclusion – teeth that aren’t aligned correctly are referred to as malocclusion. Sometimes this means that teeth hit each other improperly when they bite together, which may cause wear or chipping. With time, damaged teeth can expose the bottom tooth layer called dentin. This creates sensitivity and promotes decay.
  • Traumatic occlusion – injury to parts of the mouth can result from closing the jaw repeatedly and with excessive force. It can cause undesired spaces to develop between the teeth, which leads to food buildup and tender gums. If not removed completely, tooth decay will occur.

Solutions
Attempting to create a straight smile with restorations like veneers or crowns may not be the best choice, because they don’t address the underlying problem. Your dentist may suggest straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment. This may involve traditional braces, Invisalign, retainers, appliances, or a combination of treatments. The goal is to correct your teeth so that it becomes easier to maintain good dental hygiene, and therefore lower your risk of gum disease or tooth decay.

Dr. Fotovat is an Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks, CA

Invisalign for Grownups

Just because you’re an adult, it doesn’t mean that you have to continue through life being unhappy with your smile. Many grownups today are taking the plunge into orthodontic treatment, but not in the traditional way you might think. Invisalign is an option that many adults choose to straighten their teeth, but without impacting their appearance or self-esteem while undergoing treatment. Read on to see if Invisalign might be just what you need.

How does Invisalign work?
This method involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth. The removable aligners are worn for a total of one to two years, with your orthodontist monitoring your progress and determining when to change to a new aligner during the process. Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth so that they align perfectly.

Will others be able to tell I’m doing it?
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign is that others don’t even have to know you’re wearing the aligners. The small invisible trays fit over the tops of your teeth, and are often hard to see. They also do not affect your ability to speak or eat. This means that you can continue your normal routine of business meetings and socializing without feeling embarrassed about a mouth full of braces. Many adults appreciate the idea that others do not even realize they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. You even have the option of removing the Invisalign trays for an important meeting or special event.

Is there special care required?
Another key benefit of Invisalign is that no special care is needed. You take the trays in and out of your mouth as desired, so you can brush your teeth normally. There are no issues with trying to clean your teeth around metal wires and brackets. Also, you are able to eat whatever you like because there is no danger of damaging your braces. These are all reasons that Invisalign is not just appealing to young people, but a fantastic solution for teeth straightening in adults.

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Invisalign: A Teen’s Braces Solution

There’s no denying it, teenagers put a lot of importance on looks. Teens want to look attractive, and often they don’t feel braces fit into that category. However, the straight teeth and beautiful smile achieved with braces does appeal to teens. That’s why many in this age group are excited about Invisalign, which improves their smile while looking good in the process. Why does Invisalign meet the needs of teens?

Invisible
Customized clear trays are snugly placed over the teeth, applying a small amount of pressure that concentrates on moving the teeth as desired. The trays are invisible, so they are not noticeable to others. Speech is not affected, so basically the teeth are being corrected in a stealth way.

Removable
Invisalign trays may be removed at any time, so they may be slipped out for special events such as prom or pictures. The devices should be worn as much as possible to achieve the full effect, but teens love the fact that they can be removed for important events.

Flexible
This product offers great flexibility, both in the ability to remove them as well as eating and maintenance. Patients can eat whenever and whatever they choose, without worrying about breaking brackets or parts that are attached to the teeth. Brushing and flossing is also easy because teens can simply take the trays out, perform hygiene tasks, and then put them back in.

Painless
Unlike traditional braces, there is no pain involved with Invisalign treatment. Nothing is tightened or adjusted; patients just wear their trays and then switch to another custom set of trays as directed by their dentist or orthodontist. Improvements occur while wearing the Invisalign trays, and teens don’t even realize it is happening.

Invisalign Sherman Oaks CA