If you’re struggling with crooked teeth, there are many options to get a straighter smile. With mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, many patients go with Invisalign as their preferred choice. Dr. David Rever of Advanced Total Dental Care, a dentist in Silver Spring, MD, discusses the benefits you can expect from Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Traditional metal braces use metal brackets and wires to move the teeth into place. With Invisalign, clear plastic aligners are used to achieve the same goal. They’re made of plastic that’s designed to be thin and comfortable, yet durable for daily wear. After a few weeks of each aligner, you switch to a new one to slowly move your teeth into position.
The Benefits of Invisalign
There are many reasons why patients choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces. First, they’re a lot more subtle. Metal brackets and wires clearly show on your teeth. With clear aligners, you can barely tell that they’re there. They’re fitted perfectly to your smile, so they don’t go up into the gums.
Because they’re so fitted to your teeth, you have less irritation as well. Metal brackets and wires can dig into the soft tissues of the inside of your lips and cheeks. Wax is often used on them to try and relieve some of the friction and discomfort, but there’s only so much you can do. Clear aligners can avoid the irritation of your soft tissues.
With metal braces, there are certain foods that you’ll have to avoid because they can get stuck in the braces and be hard to remove. Harder foods can also damage a bracket or wire. Though you still have to wear the aligners for the bulk of the day, they can be taken out to eat or brush your teeth. They’re easier to take care of and you don’t have to remove any of your favorite foods from your diet.
Not everyone is eligible for Invisalign, but those who are often experience shorter treatment times than those with traditional braces. We know that you want to get your straighter smile as soon as possible. Invisalign allows us to do that.
The Invisalign Process
To determine if you’re a good fit for Invisalign, you’ll have a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Rever. He’ll take a look at your teeth, listen to your cosmetic goals, and determine whether you’ll be eligible. If you are, impressions will be taken of your teeth to custom-make your aligners. You’ll receive aligners that are used for the length of your treatment.
About every two weeks, you’ll change your aligner to the next one in the sequence. Each one is slightly different to slowly move your teeth into the correct position. It’s common to feel pressure or soreness at the beginning of each aligner. You’ll get periodic checkups to make sure the process is going the way it should.
Invisalign at Your Silver Spring, Maryland Dentist
Do you think Invisalign is the solution for your crooked teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.