Have you been wanting to correct your smile? Many patients find themselves wanting to make improvements to their teeth, but prefer not to get braces. At Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL, we offer Invisalign as an alternative to braces. If you’re wondering whether this treatment could be a good fit for you, we’re going to address some common questions and share some information on this exciting alternative.
What Is the Best Alternative to Braces?
Invisalign Can Be a Great Choice
Invisalign can handle many of the same concerns braces can, which can make them a great alternative to braces. To make sure this treatment is a good fit for your needs, we can meet with you during a consultation and take a look at the condition of your smile and your goals. Every patient’s needs are unique, and our team wants to set you up for success.
There are a wide range of issues that Invisalign can handle.
Overcrowding
One common concern that leads patients to seek out Invisalign is overcrowded teeth. Overcrowded teeth can be a cosmetic concern, but they can also pose some health risks.
When teeth don’t have enough space between them, they’re harder to clean and treat. Some patients want to correct their teeth so any future corrective care, like fillings or crowns, can be a bit easier to place.
Misalignment
Misaligned teeth can have several causes, but overcrowding could be contributing to the issue. As with overcrowding, misaligned teeth are usually more difficult to properly clean. In many cases, patients with misaligned teeth will have some teeth that are partially covered by others, or at an angle that’s harder to brush. This could put the patient at an increased risk of tooth and gum disease.
Tooth misalignment can also throw off the balance of your bite and jaw, which could lead to jaw and neck pain. It can also lead to an unhealthy amount of friction between your teeth. Misaligned teeth can have a sandpaper-like effect on each other, where they wear out their enamel. Since enamel is a protective shell that keeps your teeth healthy and safe, losing it can leave your teeth vulnerable.
Small Gaps Between Teeth
Some patients find that they want to bring their teeth a little closer together. Sometimes this is done for cosmetic reasons, while other times it can help a patient with speaking and chewing. Regardless of the reason, if you want to reduce minor gaps between your teeth Invisalign could be a good solution.
Both Overbites and Underbites
This treatment works by gently and gradually guiding your teeth into a more correct position. It can help address both overbites and underbites. Once the position of your teeth is corrected, it can help set your jaw’s alignment into a more comfortable and properly functional position.
While this treatment can be used as an alternative to braces, if your condition requires braces there’s still some good news. Invisalign has been used together with braces to shorten the amount of time a patient has to wear their braces. If that’s something you’re interested in, please let us know. We can tell you whether pairing Invisalign with braces could be a good option for you.
How Long Should Invisalign Be Worn?
You Should Wear Your Clear Aligners Most of the Day
When it comes to braces, they’re stuck in place and not going anywhere. Invisalign, on the other hand, can be removed at will. That said, you should really only remove them when you’re eating or need to clean your teeth.
The more consistent you are about wearing them, the better you’ll be able to stay on track with your treatment plan. We recommend you wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours each day.
What To Expect From the Treatment Process
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to carry out treatment; each set will be worn for around two weeks. As you progress through each set you’ll start to see your teeth inch closer and closer to your end goal.
This is a 12-month process for most patients, but individual factors can play a role here. Some patients benefit from spending a little extra time in the treatment program, while others are able to get it done faster. During a consultation, we should be able to give you a more accurate timeline based on the state of your teeth.
The Benefits of Invisalign as an Alternative to Braces
They’re Clear and Discreet
Unless someone comes up to you with a magnifying glass, no one should be able to tell when you’re wearing your aligners. This knowledge can help patients who are hesitant about correcting their teeth finally take the plunge. If you have an event coming up you can relax and enjoy it instead of worrying about braces showing up for your pictures.
The Confidence Factor
When your teeth aren’t the way you want them to be, that can have a negative effect on your confidence. Some patients try not to show their teeth while laughing or smiling for pictures. For them, this insecurity affects their well-being on a daily basis. The thought of braces might make these patients even more self-conscious about their smiles.
Our team wants to help our patients stay healthy, but we also want to see them happy. Invisalign can help on both of those fronts. Many patients feel an immediate sense of relief and a boost of confidence after they begin treatment. Just knowing that they’ve taken the first step can make all the difference.
Health Benefits
Even if you’re consistent about brushing and flossing, misaligned teeth can make the job harder and less efficient. By correcting your smile, you can help protect your health and the longevity of your teeth at the same time.
If you know there’s a dental concern you want to correct, it’s always a good idea to act sooner rather than later. Dental issues like misalignment almost never improve with time, and are more likely to get worse. Starting your treatment may stop your current issue from turning into a more severe one down the road.
They’re Comfortable
Traditionally, braces could be a difficult treatment for patients with sensitive mouths. Thankfully the design of various braces has come a long way. They can be made with smaller, rounded, more comfortable brackets.
That said, Invisalign doesn’t need any brackets, wires, or hard edges at all. These aligners are designed for your specific teeth, and they slide right over the teeth for a secure and comfortable fit. Many patients find it easier to adjust to wearing Invisalign when compared to braces.
Seeking Out Treatment May Improve Jaw Pain
Misalignment can lead to jaw pain, and can at times contribute to headaches. There are many ways, some of them unexpected, that misaligned teeth can affect a person’s comfort levels. By correcting these issues, the patient may be able to improve their long-term comfort.
Durability
Braces can be made to be fairly discreet too. One of the most popular types of braces for adults are ceramic braces. These can come with clear brackets and wires, to help the braces blend in a little better. They can, however, be a bit more fragile than traditional braces. That means they may not be the best option for patients who play sports where they risk impact with their braces.
While we wouldn’t recommend purposely testing your clear aligners, Invisalign is designed to be durable and sturdy. There are no brackets to worry about, so wearing tooth protection can be easier with Invisalign as well.
Removability
We’ve mentioned that it’s a good idea to wear your aligners as much as possible, but it’s still a significant benefit that they can be taken out when you need to.
One thing many patients dread is having to give up their favorite foods when they get braces. It can be an especially hard task for patients who have allergies or food limitations to remove even more options from their diet. Since you take Invisalign out to eat, you can continue to eat what you normally would throughout treatment.
Cleanliness
As an alternative to braces, Invisalign’s removability can make it easier to keep your teeth clean. Braces can be challenging to clean around. If you cut corners brushing your teeth with braces, it can affect their functionality and put your teeth at risk.
With Invisalign, you take your aligners out to clean your teeth. You’ll be able to brush and floss the way you always have, which can help patients better stay on top of their oral care.
Ready To Learn More?
If you’re wondering whether Invisalign is the right choice for you, we’d be happy to give you more information. You can reach out to us at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry of Champions Gate, FL, to set up your consultation today.
