There are many solutions to straightening crooked teeth. But Invisalign is often the first choice for many patients looking for a more even smile. Dr. Angela Wingate of Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dentist in Garner, NC, explains the benefits of Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
While traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses custom clear aligners. The aligners are based on molds taken of your smile. They’re made of plastic that’s clear, thin, and comfortable to wear, but it’s also designed to be durable enough for everyday use. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set to gradually bring your teeth into position.
Why Choose Invisalign?
But what makes Invisalign a popular choice? It starts with subtlety. Metal braces are very visible when you smile. But it’s hard to tell that you’re wearing clear aligners, even if someone is up close to you. They’re form-fitted to your smile, so they don’t go up over the gums to become more visible.
Clear aligners are also less irritating to the soft tissues in your mouth. Wax often has to be used to keep metal brackets and wires from rubbing against the inside of your lips and cheeks. Clear aligners don’t have that problem. With the way they’re fitted, they also cause less irritation to your gums as well.
While you have to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, they are removable. Braces are permanently bonded to your teeth and have to be removed by a professional. There are certain foods that you can’t eat with braces because they may break or get stuck in the mechanism. You don’t have to eliminate your favorite foods, as the aligners can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
It’s also easier to clean your teeth with the aligners since you can remove them. With braces, there are many nooks and crannies that aren’t typically there with your normal teeth. You have to be extra vigilant about brushing and flossing and learn new techniques to make sure you’re cleaning properly around all the wires and brackets.
The Invisalign Process
If you’re interested in Invisalign, you can schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at our office. We’ll do an evaluation of your teeth to make sure Invisalign is the right option for you. Invisalign is designed to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you have bite problems that are too severe, we’ll refer you to a local orthodontist for further treatment.
To move forward with Invisalign, we’ll take detailed scans and impressions of your teeth for the aligners to be custom-made for you. A 3-D model is made so that you can see the state of your current smile and what it’ll look like after treatment. You’ll get aligners that you’ll change every couple of weeks to slowly shift your teeth, and will have occasional checkups at our office.
Getting Invisalign From Your Garner, North Carolina Dentist
Do you think Invisalign is the right choice to take care of your crooked teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.