Once upon a time, those who dreamed of having their teeth straightened by an orthodontist had no choice but to undergo a straightening process using metal braces. Although metal braces straighten teeth properly, they aren't exactly known for being visually discreet. Many adult patients especially do not want to spend up to three years wearing metal braces in order to achieve the straight teeth that they desire.
Thankfully, today's orthodontists offer an alternative to traditional metal braces that is becoming increasingly popular among orthodontic patients. Invisalign treatment is an extremely innovative method for straightening teeth that use advanced computer technology to deliver results without the obvious appearance of metal braces.
Unique Invisalign
Over the last twenty years, Invisalign treatment has become more and more popular thanks to its many advantages over traditional metal braces. While traditional braces are composed of metal wires and brackets that push teeth into alignment, Invisalign uses no metal whatsoever to deliver flawless results.
Instead, this system uses clear plastic aligner trays that gently shift teeth into alignment over time, making Invisalign unique. The aligner trays are custom-made by a trained orthodontic specialist to fit over your teeth comfortably.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Virtually Invisible
Perhaps the most common reason for choosing treatment with Invisalign is its invisible nature. The plastic aligner trays are completely clear. This feature means that you can straighten your teeth without anyone else noticing.
Easily Removable
Another exciting feature of Invisalign is the removable nature of the aligner trays. With other straightening methods, the mechanisms are semi-permanently attached to the teeth with a cement-like bonding material. However, Invisalign trays simply slip over the teeth and snap into place, allowing them to be taken out at any time during the day.
The fact that Invisalign trays are removable means that you can take them out when it's time to eat and drink. With braces, orthodontists tell patients that they must avoid certain foods that can get stuck in the metal or break the bracket. As a result, patients who wear braces have to give up several of their favorite treats. With Invisalign, however, you can continue to enjoy foods that you love by simply taking your trays out and putting them back in when you are done eating.
Because Invisalign trays are painlessly and easily removable, you can take them out when it's time to practice your oral hygiene routine. With metal braces, it's challenging to keep teeth clean with all of the metal that's in the way. However, with Invisalign, you can just take your trays out in order to floss and brush effectively.
FAQ: How Often Must I Wear My Invisalign Aligners? Orthodontist in Fredericksburg, VA
Extremely Comfortable
Invisalign's plastic aligner trays are custom-designed by your orthodontist using highly advanced 3-D computer technology, making Invisalign unique. This means that your trays will fit comfortably over your teeth without being too tight.
Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth over the course of your treatment. This means that discomfort and pain will be minimal as there will be no sudden movements of your teeth.
Traditional metal braces are known to cause irritation to the tongue and inside of the patient's mouth because of the metal edges. Invisalign trays, however, have very smooth plastic edges. Therefore, you won't experience mouth irritation.
How Invisalign Treatment Works
Thousands of people visit orthodontists each year for straightening treatments like Invisalign among others. When you first visit your orthodontist for a consultation, he or she will fully examine your teeth and jaw to determine the severity of your misalignment. The orthodontist may take X-rays of your mouth in order to thoroughly evaluate your unique orthodontic needs.
Your orthodontist will then tell you about the different straightening treatments that are available so that you can make an informed decision based on your needs and priorities.
If you choose Invisalign, you will have a mold made of the inside of your mouth. This mold allows your orthodontist to create your series of aligner trays. It will take about two weeks for your trays to be ready.
Once your unique Invisalign trays are ready, you can pick them up at your orthodontist's office and take them all home at once. Each pair of Invisalign trays is numbered chronologically. You will be instructed to wear each pair of trays for two weeks at a time before switching them out for the next pair in the series. Your Invisalign trays must be worn for 22 hours each day in order for them to effectively shift your teeth into proper alignment.
About once every two months, you will visit your orthodontist so that he or she can make sure that your teeth are shifting properly. These visits usually take less than 30 minutes.
Once you have completed your treatment with Invisalign, you will wear a retainer to ensure that your results last.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
To properly determine if Invisalign is the best treatment for your unique needs, you must visit an orthodontist for a consultation. Typically, patients who have mild to moderate issues with crowding or crookedness are ideal candidates for Invisalign among others.
Is Invisalign More Expensive Than Traditional Metal Braces?
The cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of treatment with traditional braces. As is the case with any straightening treatment, the final cost will depend on the severity of your misalignment.
Payment plans and financing options are available for Invisalign patients so that this treatment can be more affordable.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The total length of treatment will depend on how severely misaligned your teeth are. Many patients are able to achieve the straight teeth of their dreams in less than fifteen months.
Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?
Invisalign is a completely effective way to straighten teeth without the use of metal braces. With Invisalign, you will be able to achieve perfectly straight teeth.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about Invisalign and determine if this treatment option is right for you, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist today. Thanks to the amazing technology behind Invisalign, you can finally achieve gorgeous teeth without the appearance of braces.
BEECROFT ORTHODONTICS
11113 Leavells Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 540 898 2200
Are Traditional Braces Cheaper Than Invisalign?