John VorhausIt is almost two decades since Invisalign was introduced to the public in the year 2009. When it was launched, it was and is still seen as a breakthrough in the orthodontic field. People who want to straighten their teeth no longer need to put up with wires and brackets in their mouth, which can be not only unsightly but also uncomfortable and painful.
So what exactly are Invisaligns and how do they work? Invisalign are clear removablealigners that are worn over your teeth to straighten them over time. The dentist will make a mould of your teeth in order to custom-make a set of aligners. These aligners apply slight pressure on your teeth as you wear them, so that the teeth are shaped into the intended position. Each aligner is slightly different from the others and you will be advised on which ones to wear in order to gradually straighten your teeth.
Invisalign being transparent and removable are factors strong enough to make anyone prefer them over conventional braces. But are Invisalign really better and more effective than conventional braces? Here’s a summary of how Invisalign are a better choice compared to conventional braces:
- Painless
Invisalign aligners are made of soft plastic that are simply worn over your teeth. They do not require any ‘installation’ and constant tightening like how conventional braces do. Wearers of conventional braces often complain of slight pain as they undergo adjustments or tightening of the braces monthly, something with Invisalign users do not need to worry about. The wires in conventional braces can also be sharp, cutting the lips and insides of the mouth.
- Removable
Being able to remove the aligners mean that you are able to eat comfortably without the tight restricting feeling that conventional braces have. Conventional braces users are often unable to eat hard food due to the pain and tightness after undergoing tightening of the wires; Invisalign users can also participate in physical activities in a safer manner, especially in contact sports. They are able to remove the aligners in favour of a mouthguard, and need not worry about cuts to the mouth or damage to the braces should anything or anyone come in contact with the face.
- Low maintenance
Because of its simple structure, Invisalign users need not visit the dentist as often for adjustments. On average, they’d come in once every 6 weeks for consultation if they should switch to another pair of aligners. On the other hand, conventional braces wearers typically visit the dentist every 4 weeks, and even more frequent should the wires snap or come loose.
There is nothing like brushing your teeth without having to use a special toothbrush to manoeuvre the wires and brackets. Your oral hygiene will also be better with Invisalign. It is common to see yellowish plague on the teeth surface of conventional braces wearers, as brushing with braces on can indeed be a difficult task.
Invisalign costs more than conventional braces but it definitely promises a better experience and a greater quality of life throughout your teeth straightening process. Visit Dental Above in Balwyn North, Victoria for consultation on how Invisalign can be your solution to a neat set of teeth.