Invisalign has a lot of benefits when it comes to straightening your teeth and looking good while you’re doing it, but it also has a great number of benefits when it comes to your oral health.
Invisalign is a system used to straighten teeth utilizing clear plastic trays known as aligners. These aligners are applied in a series over time. When one aligner has done its job, the next tray in the series replaces it.
Invisalign is unique among orthodontia used to straighten teeth in that they are removed when the patient is eating food or cleaning his or her teeth. Because of this, no food becomes stuck inside the standard metal bands and brackets of typical braces, and the decay that begins in the trapped food never gets a foothold in the mouths of those wearing Invisalign.
Metal braces can make it difficult and time-consuming to brush and floss properly. The braces trap food particles and bacteria around the teeth and hidden in the rubber bands. In order to clean them properly, wearers must thread floss in between each bracket, one after another. Most people skip some teeth and only do part of the mouth. Brushing can also be a challenge, and brushes will wear out faster and can’t reach some areas of the mouth.
Invisalign aligners are removed during cleanings, so you are brushing and flossing your teeth just like you always did. Also, since the process takes a fraction of the time compared to metal braces, you’re far more likely to floss your whole mouth. This way, your mouth stays cleaner and you ensure your continued oral health.
Talk to your orthodontist to learn about all of the oral health benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces. What you learn might lead you to choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth.
Sherman Oaks Invisalign dentist
Invisalign is a popular treatment for straightening teeth that avoids the hassle and unattractive appearance of traditional metal braces. Using custom fit clear aligner trays that fit over the teeth, Invisalign has an almost invisible appearance. Invisalign aligners are comfortable and are designed to be worn about twenty-two hours per day. The aligner trays should be replaced every two weeks.
Invisalign aligners are worn all day, and should only be removed when eating or for brushing and flossing of your teeth. To ensure the aligner trays work effectively, they should be worn even when sleeping.
Refrain from sugary foods and drinks when you are wearing the aligners to prevent teeth from developing cavities. Avoid chewing gum completely, as it will damage your aligners. Whenever possible, drink through a straw while wearing your aligners.
Your orthodontist should provide you with an official Invisalign cleaning kit. This kit contains a special cleaner that is dissolved in water and used to clear the aligners of debris, plaque, and odors. Every time you brush your teeth you should also brush your aligners. Removing the trays when you eat will also protect them from staining.
It is possible to wear your Invisalign aligners while playing contact sports. However, you may want to consider a mouth guard to offer additional protection to your teeth. Never leave your aligners in a place that is warmer than your mouth, as heat will do permanent damage to them. When not in use, always store your aligners in the case provided by your orthodontist.
With proper care, treatment with Invisalign will result in a beautiful, straight new smile you can enjoy for years to come.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
Invisalign is one of the most popular options for patients who wish to improve an imperfect smile without the hassle of traditional braces. However, Invisalign may not be a perfect choice for everyone.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign? Consider the following:
- What problems are you trying to fix and what is their severity? Invisalign is best suited for milder cases of misalignment, crowded, or crooked teeth. More severe issues, such as large overbites, are better treated with more advanced orthodontic procedures.
- What is your age? Invisalign is an excellent choice for older teens and adults. Invisalign offers an attractive option that is virtually unnoticeable and, therefore, doesn’t affect the patient’s self-confidence the way traditional metal braces might. Children and younger teens are not the best candidates because their teeth and jaw are still growing.
- How committed are you to correcting your smile? While using the Invisalign aligners is easy, allowing you to remove them as necessary, they must remain in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day. If you are not dedicated to following this treatment plan and remaining vigilant about wearing your aligners, treatment with Invisalign will not work.
Invisalign is known to be one of the easiest and most comfortable treatments for orthodontic problems. Using clear aligner trays to gently move your teeth, Invisalign is an easy and popular option. To better determine your suitability for Invisalign, schedule an appointment with a qualified orthodontist. Invisalign is an exciting option for patients who wish to fix their teeth without the hassle of traditional metal braces.
Sherman Oaks Orthodontist
