Invisalign: The Clear Choice for Straightening Your Teeth
You’ve probably heard of Invisalign, an alternative to braces that is becoming more and more popular. Maybe you have a friend with Invisalign, or maybe your dentist has even suggested it to you. There’s a reason Invisalign seems to be everywhere these days. It’s comfortable, subtle, and it really works. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign, its advantages, and how it straightens your teeth.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular brand of clear aligners. There are other brands of invisible aligners as well, but they are typically not as widely known. Invisible aligners are basically semi-flexible, clear, plastic trays. You snap one around your upper teeth and another around your lower teeth. They put gradual pressure on your teeth in just the right places, slowly guiding them into alignment.
Who Can Get Invisalign?
Invisalign is really popular with adults who don’t want to be seen wearing braces. However, it is also an option for many teens and pre-teens who have crooked or misaligned teeth. There are some dental misalignments that can’t be fixed with Invisalign. For example, if your tooth is twisted or you have a major overbite, you probably aren’t a candidate for Invisalign. However, for most patients who have been told they need braces, Invisalign is a completely viable alternative.
Is It Really Invisible?
Invisalign aligners are barely visible on your teeth. If someone is standing a couple of feet away from you, they’ll probably have no idea that you have anything on your teeth. If they are standing directly next to you and looking at your mouth, they may notice the outline of the aligners if they really look closely. But rest assured that most people will have no idea you are wearing an orthodontic appliance when you are wearing Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
You can expect some discomfort when you first get Invisalign. There will be pressure on your teeth as the aligners begin moving everything into place. This discomfort is usually mild and the soreness will usually fade away, on its own, within a few days.
Invisalign is definitely more comfortable than braces. There are no wires to poke you or brackets to graze against your cheeks. If you’ve been avoiding getting braces because you’re fearful of this discomfort, then getting Invisalign is a good alternative.
How Often Do You Replace the Aligners?
Your aligners, which are also known as trays, will typically need to be changed every 10 days. Your dentist will give you a whole set of them during your visit. You don’t need to come back every time you need to change trays like you would if you needed braces adjusted. You’ll change the trays out yourself when it’s time. You’ll just have a few brief checkups with your dentist throughout your treatment period with Invisalign. During these appointments, your dentist will check on your progress and give you some new sets of trays.
Can You Remove the Trays?
Yes! In fact, that’s one of the best things about Invisalign. You’ll need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours a day. You can take them out to eat and to brush your teeth. You should also take them out when you drink anything other than water. This way, they won’t get stained by dark-colored beverages.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign?
That depends on your own dental alignment, your age, and how consistently you change your aligners. The further your teeth need to move, the longer you’ll need to wear your aligners. Adults who had braces as kids often have shorter treatment periods. And, if you’re good about changing your aligners on time, you’ll get results faster. Most people need to wear Invisalign for 12 – 18 months, but some only need a 6-month treatment period and a few patients need to wear theirs for 2 years.
If you’ve been told you need braces, it’s worth looking into Invisalign as an alternative. Invisalign is nearly invisible on your teeth. Plus, you can remove the aligners to eat and brush, and they cause a lot less discomfort than braces. You won’t have to go without your favorite snacks or worry about brushing around stray wires. If you’re in the Vancouver area, contact Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We’ll take a look and let you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Vancouver.
