When deciding between Invisalign and braces, Invisalign is often the clear winner. For about the same amount of money, you will be able to get straight teeth, without having to subject yourself to the pain of metal braces. But Invisalign is far more than just clear braces. There are lots of different types of braces to choose from, and many people shy away from Invisalign because they do not believe that they can get the results they want from these plastic aligners. What are the benefits of Invisalign and why should you choose it over other types of braces? Here are some of the top benefits of Invisalign.
Treats a Wide Variety of Issues
When Invisalign was first introduced, it was done with the caveat that it would not be able to treat the same range of cases that metal braces can. While metal braces are still the best option for patients who have very complicated cases, Invisalign has solutions that can treat almost every mild to medium case. From overbites, to underbites, to spacing and crowding issues, Invisalign has a solution that can gradually guide the teeth into a more natural and aesthetically pleasing position.
As technology continues to progress, Invisalign will only get better and better, and in the end, it will be possible for patients who once had cases that could only be treated by metal braces, to be just as effectively treated by Invisalign.
Gets Your Teeth Straight
The ultimate test of any teeth straightening treatment is whether or not it actually gets your teeth straight and keeps them straight. Obviously, the many different iterations of metal braces succeed in this area. But does Invisalign succeed? With over a decade of studies and real word treatments, it would be impossible to deny that Invisalign works. If your goal is straighter teeth, Invisalign has a system that will get those teeth straight.
Removable
This is by far one of the biggest benefits of choosing Invisalign over other treatment methods. Metal braces, simply because of their construction, trap food against the teeth and make brushing, flossing, and getting the teeth clean nearly impossible at the worst, and at the least, time consuming. This means that a patient who is not very compliant with his cleaning routine could end up with cavities and other more serious issues at the end of his braces treatment.
The ability to remove the braces to clean the teeth, eat, and clean the aligners makes keeping the teeth clean extremely easy. Patients can simply continue their regular brushing and flossing routines, without having to buy any special equipment to clean around brackets or under wires.
This also means that there are fewer restrictions on what you can eat and when. Patients with metal braces are given a long list of foods that they are not allowed to eat, and the list does not stop just at sugary foods that can damage the teeth. It extends to fruits, vegetables, crunchy foods, and beyond. Those using Invisalign, however, do not have the same dietary restrictions, as they can take their treatment out for a meal or to have a snack.
Invisible
Invisalign is not completely invisible, but the plastic is clear and if cared for properly, it is unlikely that anyone will notice that you are wearing plastic aligners. They are as invisible as a teeth straightening system can get, which gives Invisalign a huge advantage over other treatments, all of which are highly visible. Invisalign was first introduced as a way for adult patients to straighten their teeth if they did not want to deal with metal braces, which were traditionally considered just for preteens and teenagers. Today, Invisalign is a great way for just about anyone to straighten their teeth is a way that virtually no one will notice.
Less Irritating
While braces are designed to be as comfortable as possible, they simply cannot match the comfort that comes with the clear, smooth, plastic aligners of an Invisalign system. The aligners are so smooth that you might not even notice that you are wearing them once you put them in. They will not cut at your gums or irritate the inside of your cheeks, reducing the overall irritation that comes with getting straighter teeth.
For those who are afraid of the rumored pain and discomfort that often accompanies other treatment options, Invisalign is a hassle-free option. With no wires to be moved out of place, no metal brackets for the mouth to become adjusted to, and very little discomfort from the feeling of the teeth themselves being moved. For those that don’t have the time to deal with the irritation of other treatment methods, the Invisalign system is the perfect choice.
Fewer Office Visits
This is another of the biggest benefits of choosing Invisalign over other treatment methods. Many braces patients meet with their orthodontist every single month. Others often have to make emergency meetings in order to have a wire moved or a bracket replaced. These emergency appointments are far less common with Invisalign, which makes this system more beneficial for those with busy schedules, as most patients only have to meet with their orthodontist every four to six weeks.
Bottom Line
Invisalign has a wide variety of benefits that makes it the ideal system for teenagers and adults alike. Because it is less irritating, easier to manage, and requires fewer office visits, Invisalign fits better into the lives of most patients and makes it easier and more convenient for them to get the straighter teeth that they want.
