Braces are beneficial in fixing crooked or improperly aligned teeth while making it easier for the person to clean and brush them properly.
However, many people would not prefer the metal variety visible whenever the person smiles, which is why
Invisalign is gaining popularity as a clear aligner that can straighten teeth without being visible.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the most popular and well-known clear aligner product. The brand makes clear aligners from a flexible thermoplastic material that provides beneficial orthodontic treatment.
The aligners are far less conspicuous than metal wire braces and fit over teeth to resolve spacing or teeth crowding issues.
What Benefits Does Invisalign Offer?
Many studies suggest that Invisalign is ineffective in addressing specific orthodontic issues like severe bite problems. However, they can effectively solve problems like overbite, underbite, fixing arches, open bite, crowded teeth, and gap bite.
The most prominent benefit of Invisalign is its aesthetic factor. The clear aligners are suitable for those who do not desire a visible metal wire with braces or retainers.
Invisalign can be removed easily while eating and
cleaning them, and this ease of removal makes it possible to floss and brush your teeth without dealing with wires and brackets.
This ease of cleaning that Invisalign provides effectively reduces the chances and amount of bacteria developing around your gums and teeth, preventing future problems like cavities and decay.
These clear aligners pose fewer chances of injury than metal wire braces, as you will not have to schedule an emergency visit with the dentist in cases of a broken bracket or wire.
Why Invisalign?
Invisalign is the oldest and most effective clear aligner brand. Many studies suggest that Invisalign effectively fixes orthodontic issues and improves bite force. However, wearing Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours daily is essential for its effectiveness.
How Do I Improve the Effectiveness of Invisalign?
Patients can only remove Invisalign when brushing, flossing, drinking, eating, or cleaning the clear aligners.
The thermoplastic material used in making these aligners can warp and alter if someone uses hot water to clean them. If the fit and shape of clear aligners are altered, their effectiveness and treatment progress is reduced.
Complex and more severe orthodontic issues may take longer to resolve by Invisalign. Other factors affecting Invisalign's affectivity are age, sex, and complexity of the bite or spacing issues.
What Are the Disadvantages of Invisalign?
Invisalign is only effective for mild teeth issues. The dentist will suggest getting braces or retainers for complex bite and orthodontic problems. For people who already have a removable denture or dental
bridgework, Invisalign is not a convenient and suitable option for them.
Furthermore, a dedication to wearing Invisalign for more than 20 hours per day is necessary for optimum results. Chances of slipping them out and then forgetting to wear them again for a few hours will interfere with the long-term treatment progress of Invisalign.
Removing the Invisalign while eating or drinking is another inconvenient factor associated with these clear aligners. Many people find it undesirable to remove and wear clear aligners in public.
What Happens if I Eat and Drink With Invisalign?
If you are eating or drinking with Invisalign on your teeth, you increase the chances of food debris and bacterial accumulation along your aligners, teeth, and gums.
Furthermore, drinking beverages like coffee and carbonated drinks can stain your aligners and teeth.
Is Invisalign the Right Option for Me?
Before getting Invisalign, it is essential to ask yourself whether you are conscious about wearing metal wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. If you do not have a problem wearing braces, you can opt out of the Invisalign treatment.
Similarly, if your orthodontic problem is far more complex, then braces can be a more suitable option to fix your teeth alignment and bite forces.
Dedication is an important factor when it comes to wearing Invisalign. You will be required to wear them for most of the day, and if you cannot stick to the schedule, then Invisalign might not be the right solution for you.
Caring for Invisalign and cleaning them efficiently is also essential to improve treatment progress. If an adult or child is not careful with treating their Invisalign correctly, the clear aligners will not provide effective results.
What Is the Cost of Invisalign?
Invisalign is similar to traditional braces in its cost, but the amount can fluctuate depending on the length of your treatment, the complexity of the orthodontic problem, and the teeth alignment procedure.
The dentist's location can affect cost rates, and it is better to check whether your insurance plan covers Invisalign costs. Many orthodontists provide a flexible payment plan if your insurance does not cover the cost of clear aligners.
It would be best to discuss the cost and treatment plan with
your dentist before getting Invisalign and then go ahead with the treatment.
What Should I Not Do With Invisalign?
Do not get your Invisalign dirty, and eat or drink anything that can potentially stain the clear aligners. Floss and brush your teeth thoroughly before putting on the aligners.
When taking out the Invisalign, ensure that you do it gently so as not to pull or break them. The treatment with Invisalign can be a slow and lengthy process, so you must stay patient and not try to rush your teeth alignment.
Do not eat when you have Invisalign in place. The hard particles in food can scratch your clear aligners or stain them. Furthermore, food debris accumulated between the crevices of Invisalign can lead to bacteria build up if not cleaned properly.
How to Take Care of Invisalign
You can rinse and clean your Invisalign using lukewarm water. Use a brush to clean the clear aligners.
Alternatively, you can use special cleaning tablets to maintain your Invisalign. Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your Invisalign to prevent bacteria from food debris.
At Frank Hsu, D.D.S., Dr. Hsu ensures that every patient is guided properly regarding appropriate treatment plan for their teeth alignment issues.
