Invisalign Braces

Since 1999, one company has been commanding the market of orthodontic treatment with its invisible braces. Known as Invisalign braces, the clear plastic trays and customized treatment plans of the company AlignTech have offered literally millions of adults and teens straighter teeth for less personal sacrifice. What is it about Invisalign braces that makes them so wonderful? Let’s start with the commonalities between Invisalign and traditional metal braces.

Orthodontic Procedures

Both Invisalign and metal braces are effective orthodontic treatments that have been used for years. Though Invisalign is much newer, it has held its own and through innovations has offered the possibilities of comfort AND confidence. For both procedures, an orthodontist or trained dentist is required to make sure the treatment goes forward as it should. Both procedures treat malocclusions, severe crowding, crookedness, and the like. Finally, both treatments are now offered to adults and teens. Originally, Invisalign was not offered to teens since the effectiveness of the procedure relies on obedience and a certain level of responsibility. This is where the similarities between the two types of braces end.

Invisalign Process

Traditional braces require that the patient have metal brackets bonded to their teeth. Through these brackets an arch wire is carefully fitted and rubber ligaments are used to hold it in place. The tensile strength of the wire puts pressure upon the teeth and causes them to move through the bone of the mouth. As the teeth move the wire is traded out roughly once a month for a tighter fit. Orthodontists will also use springs, spacers, hard palate appliances, and rubber bands to create tension or cause the corrections necessary. These metal appliances remain attached to the teeth until the procedure is complete, at which time they are removed and a retainer is provided.

 

Invisalign are nothing more than clear plastic trays made out of a patented thermoplastic material. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign braces are designed from a custom mold that is taken of the teeth on the first visit. The doctor studies the mold; using computer software, select teeth are chosen in sequence to be corrected through guided pressure by the plastic trays. The dentist will order the trays for the patient and when they arrive from the manufacturer, the treatment will begin. A set of trays is worn for two weeks, at which point a new set is switched in.

 

As the patient progresses through the sets of trays, the teeth will be moved using guided and focused pressure. Because the trays are conformed exactly to the teeth of the wearer, not all the teeth must be subjected to pressure. This allows for less tension or pain for the wearer. Do not confuse this with no pain for the wearer; most Invisalign users report that the first day or night with a new set of trays is the most painful, but it can be easily treated with over the counter pain killers.

Pros
When using Invisalign braces, patients find themselves at much greater liberty than with traditional metal braces. A patient does not have to go in for appointments more often than every six weeks. The trays can be removed for eating as well as regular hygiene habits. If there is an event where the wearer feels they would prefer not to wear the trays, they can be removed until after the event, though the corrections only continue as long as the patient wears the trays on a consistent basis. Experts suggest that they should be worn 22 hours a day.

 

When it comes to comfort, a patient is guaranteed to enjoy the feel and fit of Invisalign more than traditional braces. Without metal brackets and wires, the sensitive tissues of the lips and cheeks are not subjected to painful wounds or solutions like waxes. Instead, the smooth plastic trays fit comfortably over teeth and in the mouth.

 

With traditional braces a patient must give up many foods that they might normally enjoy. Hard, sticky, acidic, and even sugary foods must be avoided, which of course includes foods like popcorn, soda, candy, citrus fruits and bubble gum. With Invisalign, a patient can eat whatever they desire, as long as they take care to brush afterwards and before putting the trays back on.

 

First, Invisalign can cost much more than traditional braces depending upon the severity of the treatment and the number of trays needed. Because plastic is not as durable as metal, in some cases the plastic trays will take longer to move or correct teeth since the less pressure is applied. In addition, after any orthodontic treatment, a retainer is essential to help the teeth retain their positions until the bone has hardened and retains the memory of the correction. Use Invisalign to enjoy the most effective and comfortable invisible braces on the market today and have straight teeth without the sacrifice!