Invisalign
Before
After
At Georgetown Cosmetic Dentistry, braces, and Invisalign can straighten your teeth and fill gaps. However, there are a few differences when choosing between the two treatments. Braces are a permanent orthodontic solution. While they’re not as discreet as aligners, they provide the most dramatic results. Invisalign can be removed before meals or whenever necessary, making them convenient to maintain.
Invisalign
Invisalign, also known as clear aligners, are removable orthodontic appliances designed to gradually shift teeth into the proper position. The virtually invisible design is perfect for adults looking to align their smiles without the look of metal brackets or wires.
These clear plastic trays are designed with a thermoplastic material that fits over your teeth. Each set of trays is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. Gradually, as the aligner is replaced every two weeks, the teeth will move closer to their final positions.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Since there are no metal parts or brackets, the aligners are much more comfortable than traditional braces. In addition, they are removable and can be taken out to eat and clean your teeth. This also helps straighten teeth faster than conventional braces because you aren’t tempted to eat sticky foods that can get stuck in your braces and make straightening take longer.
The Invisalign treatment process involves taking a series of custom-made, clear aligners called “trays.” Each tray is designed to fit over the teeth and gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Every few weeks, you will switch to the next set of trays in the sequence and continue this process until your teeth are as straight as they can be!
At your initial consultation, we will discuss the entire process with you and answer any questions you may have. We also take impressions to ensure that we fabricate the correct size of trays for you to wear throughout your entire treatment.
Not everyone is comfortable wearing the metal braces often associated with orthodontic treatments. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, so no one needs to know that you are undergoing treatment unless you tell them. This is a massive advantage for teenagers who don’t want anyone to know they are getting orthodontic work.
If you’re curious if an Invisalign treatment is right for you, please contact our office today to schedule your consultation visit with us!
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
With the Invisalign method, your doctor will create custom aligners for you to wear every night for a minimum of 22 hours a day. They create a series of plastic trays that fit over the top and bottom teeth and gently apply pressure to shift your teeth into the correct position. The trays are custom-made to fit your mouth and are made from smooth and comfortable BPA-free plastic material that is free of wires or metal brackets. They are also removable, so you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth. Each set is typically worn for around two weeks before you move on to the next one in the series. This method has proven effective for many people with mild to moderate tooth misalignment issues and can even help treat some cases of severe misalignment.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign® aligners are completely removable and virtually invisible. Aside from being a convenient option for busy professionals, this can also reduce a patient’s risk of experiencing demineralization or decay.
Another benefit of Invisalign® is that they’re custom-made for each set of teeth. This consideration prevents irritation around the sensitive gums and reduces the risk of tooth trauma that could occur due to metal brackets. The smooth plastic of the aligners also prevents abrasions on the cheeks that can cause soreness. This can be especially helpful when it comes to patients who are dealing with anxiety about their treatment.
Braces
Today’s metal brackets are much smaller, more comfortable, and less noticeable than in the past. During treatment, you will visit our office every four to six weeks. At these appointments, we assess your progress and adjust your appliance. Treatment time varies based on your specific needs and the complexity of your case. Most patients can achieve their ideal smile within 18 months with braces.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces are a versatile orthodontic option that can help correct a wide variety of smile concerns, including crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites. When compared to Invisalign aligners, braces offer several other benefits as well. For instance, while patients with Invisalign experience little to no discomfort during their treatments, metal braces come with some slight pain at the beginning of each appointment as they adjust to changes in pressure. However, this discomfort usually subsides within a matter of days, making braces an excellent option for patients who aren’t too sensitive to pain. Additionally, braces are a more cost-effective orthodontic treatment option than Invisalign.