Listly by Oldham Orthodontics
In many cases, bulky metal braces for teenagers and adults are a thing of the past. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider Invisalign
Invisalign and traditional metal braces can treat crooked, gapped or misaligned teeth. However, compared to metal braces which are quite prominent, Invisalign clear aligners are made from a wafer thin plastic that is almost invisible. This means that you can experience the benefits of teeth straightening treatment, but without the feeling of self-consciousness that is often associated with traditional braces.
Metal braces are made up of brackets and wires that can have a tendency to snag and rub against the soft tissues in your mouth. This can be uncomfortable, particularly when braces are first fitted. Whilst orthodontic wax can be applied to braces to try and prevent rubbing, Invisalign are made from soft plastic trays that are much more comfortable in the mouth.
Metal braces can also be painful due to the pressure that is applied to your teeth as your braces are tightened to gradually move your teeth into the required position. On the other hand, Invisalign trays require much less pressure and cause less discomfort.
Metal braces can often take anywhere between 18 and 36 months to achieve the desired results, however, in some cases, treatment time can be much longer. During treatment, regular appointments with your orthodontist are required to tighten your braces so that treatment is as effective as possible. In contrast, Invisalign treatment will usually only take between 12 and 18 months. Aligner trays are custom made to suit you and guide your teeth into the correct position over a period of time, with each set of aligners being worn for around 2 weeks. As there is no need for regular adjustments, several sets of aligners can be given per visit to the orthodontist, so fewer appointments are needed.
Traditional braces can be broken or damaged by certain foods, so it’s important to restrict your diet to prevent this. Certain foods are an absolute no-no as they can become permanently lodged into your braces, or in a worst case scenario, may even pull fixed braces off your teeth. Invisalign clear braces can be removed during meal times so there is no worry that food will get stuck to the trays or damage them. You can benefit from teeth straightening without having to alter your diet or lifestyle.
As traditional metal braces are fixed, they can’t be removed when you clean your teeth and as a result, cleaning your teeth can be difficult. The brackets and wires of metal braces can become an obstacle to reaching all areas of the teeth and food can become lodged. Not only can metal braces lead to poor oral hygiene, but the inability to properly clean the teeth can also cause discomfort. As Invisalign clear braces can be removed, oral hygiene isn’t an issue and you can continue to clean your teeth as normal.