Misaligned teeth may not seem like the biggest problem with your smile but living with orthodontic issues can soon affect the health and condition of your teeth, as well as your appearance. In the past, orthodontic treatment was limited to metal braces, but today, patients have the benefit of greater choice and control over their treatment.

Invisalign has changed the way in which orthodontic treatment is performed. This series of clear, plastic aligners are worn over the teeth to apply pressure that sees them slowly move into better alignment, eliminating many of the dental issues you may have been experiencing. The unique advantages of Invisalign mean that it is the preferred choice of many patients. Here’s what you need to know about the three top benefits of Invisalign over braces.

 

Invisalign enables you to retain some confidence in your smile

For many people, the biggest disadvantage of wearing conventional braces is that way that it makes their teeth and smile look while they are undergoing treatment. Conventional braces are comprised of metal brackets and wires that sit across your teeth and are highly visible. This can cause the wearer to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, and even though braces are extremely common during childhood, many children have been teased about their teeth during treatment. To help counteract this, some orthodontists offer ceramic braces that use clear or tooth-colored brackets. While this does reduce their visibility, they are still noticeable.

Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that is virtually invisible once in place. This is because it doesn’t contain any brackets or wires, and instead, your teeth are sheathed in fairly thin, transparent plastic that covers them right down to the gum line. Even standing directly opposite you, it can be difficult for someone to tell that you are wearing them, helping you to feel confident in your smile while you are undergoing treatment.

 

Invisalign gives you the freedom to eat the things that you choose

If you speak to any brace wearer, they’ll tell you that one of the main frustrations of their treatment is the limitations that it places on their diet. Patients are told to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy as they could damage their braces or become trapped within the gaps between the wires and teeth and around the brackets.

Fortunately, there isn’t an issue for people who wear Invisalign. This is because Invisalign aligners can and should be removed for eating, giving you the flexibility to enjoy all of your favorite foods without it compromising your treatment. Simply pop your aligners out before your meal, placing them into the provided case. Once you have finished eating, you can replace them. Ideally, you should brush your teeth before wearing them again as this will prevent food particles and bacteria from being trapped in the tiny space between the surface of your teeth and your aligners.

Invisalign wearers can enjoy better oral health

As you can probably imagine, brushing your teeth when wearing braces is tricky and time-consuming. You need to use a combination of your toothbrush and interdental brushes to try and negotiate around the brackets and wires as best as you can. Even then, the level of cleanliness that can be achieved doesn’t always meet the standards preferred by your dentist, and decay and gum disease are a common problem among braces-wearers.

Again, Invisalign can be removed. This means that when it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth, you can take out your aligners and can complete your oral hygiene routine as you would usually, without wires and brackets getting in the way. You can even floss. Then, before you put your aligners back in, clean them too using the equipment provided by your Invisalign provider. This helps to keep your aligners in the best possible condition, and free from bacteria before they are placed back onto your teeth.

For more information on Invisalign, call Smile On Dentistry at 310-881-8780 and Dr. Ramona Sabbaghian & Dr. Anahita Sabaghian can assist you.