How is Invisalign different from metal braces?
Invisalign is a way to achieve straight teeth that look great and are easy to keep healthy without many of the downsides that accompany traditional metal braces. Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into place through a series of clear, removable plastic trays called aligners.
Many people choose Invisalign because the aligners are nearly invisible. For that reason, it’s a popular orthodontic treatment among adults and older teens. It’s understandable that you’d rather not have metal braces, which are very noticeable.
Invisalign also affects your quality of life far less than metal braces. You wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day but remove them to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and floss, all of which you can do the same way you would without orthodontics.
Braces can be painful. Your teeth may hurt for days after your braces are tightened, and the wires and brackets can cut and irritate the inside of your mouth. Invisalign, by contrast, causes only light pressure when you adjust to a new set of aligners, and you don’t have to worry about stray pieces of metal.
Does Invisalign work as well as regular braces?
You may be concerned that your dental issues are too serious or complicated for Invisalign, or that orthodontic treatment with clear aligners doesn’t work as well as metal braces. However, Dr. Thompson recommends it to correct the same problems as metal braces, including:
- Crowding
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Gaps
Invisalign technology has improved since its invention. Though, there are some cases that require metal braces and are not treatable with Invisalign.
Dr. Thompson is fully transparent about the results you can expect from Invisalign. In some cases, he may recommend metal braces or oral surgery. He may also recommend oral surgery before, during, or after your Invisalign treatment for the best possible results.
How often do I need to come into the office during Invisalign treatment?
Typically, you come in every six weeks to see Dr. Thompson while you undergo Invisalign treatment. At your follow-up appointments, he checks to make sure your treatment is progressing properly and gives you the next few sets of aligners. Compared to braces, which require regular adjustments, Invisalign appointments are quick and convenient.
You can expect treatment to last about a year, though it may be somewhat shorter or longer depending on your case. The necessary treatment time is usually more predictable than treatment with metal braces.
To learn more about Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Derrick L. Thompson, DDS, online or over the phone.
