Invisalign is the most popular teeth straightening method used today, and for good reason. While braces do the trick, many patients experience unpleasant side effects, like gum irritation and cheek scarring, which can make having braces quite uncomfortable. Not only that, but braces aren’t the most attractive option — the metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands tend to make people feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are other options available to straighten your teeth without getting any metal involved!
At Mer Bleue Dental Centre, we offer Invisalign treatment for patients who want straighter teeth but don’t like the idea of traditional orthodontics. Contact us to book an Invisalign consultation at our dental clinic in Orléans, or continue reading to learn the benefits of these “clear braces.”
Aesthetics
One of the main reasons people opt for Invisalign over braces is that they provide a more natural look. Rather than having metal brackets glued to your teeth, you’ll wear a set of clear aligner trays that are very discreet. In fact, no one will even know you have these “invisible braces” unless you point them out. You’ll be able to go about your daily routine without worrying that others are looking at your mouth, and you won’t feel as awkward or self-conscious in social situations. There’s no need to hide your smile when you have Invisalign!
Comfort
Another major benefit of Invisalign is that it is a much more comfortable method of teeth straightening than traditional braces. As previously mentioned, braces can cause soreness on the gums, cheeks, and surrounding tissue, which can make for an unpleasant orthodontic experience. Having your braces tightened is a whole other issue — your orthodontist will make periodic adjustments to your wires, which can take days to get used to. When you choose Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about any of these things except for some minor discomfort when you switch aligner trays.
Removable
Invisalign trays can also be removed without your dentist’s help, which makes it much easier to eat, drink, and brush and floss your teeth. Part of the problem with braces is that food gets stuck in the brackets easily, so it can be difficult to fully clean your teeth. With Invisalign, you can simply take out the clear retainers when you eat and drink, then brush your teeth before you put them back in. The one downside to this is that it can be tempting to leave your retainers out, which can result in a longer treatment duration. That said, Invisalign affords you a lot more freedom than braces do — all it takes is the discipline to wear the aligners when you aren’t eating, drinking, or doing your daily oral hygiene routine.
Duration Of Treatment
A common misconception about Invisalign is that it takes longer to complete than braces. While this is false, it really depends on how diligently you wear your Invisalign trays. If you wear them at least 22 hours every day, you’ll be on track to have perfectly straight teeth after just 15 months. The duration for most braces treatments usually lasts anywhere from 12 months to two or more years, with lots of adjustments in between. When you decide to get Invisalign, your dentist will show you a “map” of your final result as well as what it will take to get there, so you know exactly what to expect during each phase of your treatment. Plus, you get to see your new smile before you even get fitted for your Invisalign trays.
A Versatile Solution
People tend to underestimate the power of Invisalign because the trays don’t bind directly to the teeth or pull them in different directions with metal wires. However, Invisalign can be an effective solution to many different dental problems, including crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. With braces, you’d have to add rubber bands, spacers, and other applications to address these issues, whereas they can be directly mapped into your Invisalign treatment.
Get Invisalign In Orléans
There are many other benefits of Invisalign, which we will discuss in future blog posts. If you are interested in seeing whether Invisalign is right for you, reach out to our dentists at Mer Bleue Dental Centre to schedule a consultation. We’d be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss your options.