Most people tend to imagine unsightly metal brackets when they think about braces. But in reality, there is a much more subtle and accommodating approach known as Invisalign. Invisalign can help you fix your smile without committing to metal braces for years. You can take the trays out if needed, and you don’t have to change what you eat! Sounds too good to be true, right?
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign is very much real and very effective at solving minor orthodontic issues. It uses clear trays to straighten and align teeth, rather than the metal brackets and wires you might be more familiar with.
How Does it Work?
Once you’ve consulted with your orthodontist and developed a plan for your Invisalign treatment, you will receive your first pair of clear aligners. You wear each pair for 20 to 22 hours a day for two weeks at a time. Then, you switch to the next set in the plan, and so on. In total, the treatment should last between 6 and 18 months.
During the day, you remove the trays for eating, drinking, and teeth cleaning. You will need to become fast with these activities though, as the trays can only be out for about 2 hours total each day.
We know that traditional braces definitely aren’t for everyone. If you’re thinking about getting Invisalign in Sioux Falls, keep reading for 8 times it might be a good investment.
1. You want to improve your speech.
Correcting the alignment of your teeth can actually change your speech and pronunciation. If you have been experiencing difficulty with your speech and pronunciation, or if you work in an industry that relies on your voice, consult with an orthodontist to see if Invisalign can address your needs.
2. You need to improve your overall oral health.
Crowded, ill-fitting, or misaligned teeth can trap food and bacteria at the gumline. Even regular brushing and flossing might not be enough to keep your mouth healthy. Realigning your teeth with Invisalign will not only improve the look of your smile but will give you better overall oral health. And with healthier teeth comes easier dental care! You should see an immediate improvement in the efficiency of your home cleanings and in-office dental visits.
3. You have a job interview.
One of the biggest reasons adults are hesitant to fix their teeth is that they do not want to be seen wearing braces or other gear. What if you get called for a job interview the week after you start wearing obvious metal braces?
With Invisalign, the equipment is practically invisible, meaning you can interview for the job with confidence. And if you are still worried about the aligners impacting your speech in some way, you can just remove them for the duration of the interview.
4. You’re about to take your Senior Pictures.
If you have important pictures coming up, you might not want your temporary orthodontic gear to be included. With metal braces, this can lead to awkward smiles or a reluctance to be in photos.
If you know you have an important photo shoot coming up, Invisalign means you don’t have to delay your treatment. The aligners do not show up in photos, and they can even be removed entirely during the picture-taking process if that makes you more comfortable.
5. You don’t want a huge life change.
If getting braces sounds like more than you want to take on, we don’t blame you. For busy adults, braces can be really time-consuming. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires fewer trips to the orthodontist and does not require special equipment for brushing and flossing. Additionally, you do not have to change what you eat with Invisalign, unlike metal braces. You remove the aligners while you eat, so you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods.
6. You’re an athlete.
Traditional orthodontic gear can be a real obstacle for athletes in many sports. And if your sport is full-contact, there isn’t much to be done. Any impact that affects your face will risk damaging traditional metal equipment such as braces. Metal braces themselves are also quite sharp in some places, and could easily puncture your lips, gums, or tongue if hit hard enough.
So if you regularly or aspirationally play any high-impact, full-contact sports like football or rugby, Invisalign is the safest and most flexible choice. You can simply remove the aligners for the duration of the game and put them somewhere safe.
7. You want to fix some minor orthodontic issues.
Not every problem can be solved by Invisalign, but many of the most common ones can. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, consult your dentist or orthodontist to see how Invisalign might be a good fit:
- A misaligned bite, such as minor underbites, overbites, or crossbites
- Crooked or protruding teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps in teeth
8. You’ve been experiencing jaw, neck, or facial pain.
Misaligned teeth can have far-reaching effects. The position of your teeth impacts the position of your jaw. A poorly-positioned jaw can lead to grinding, which is a big source of pain in the head and neck. Using Invisalign to straighten out your teeth may be exactly what you need for relief.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Hopefully, the above scenarios have convinced you of the tremendous benefits of Invisalign. You may be excited to bring an end to your jaw pain or to create a stunning new smile. However, Invisalign is not the best treatment for everyone.
Invisalign will work best on someone who has all of their adult teeth. Thus, it is not usually recommended for children, but rather for adults and older adolescents. Additionally, Invisalign does come with some daily maintenance requirements that may be more than a child can reasonably take on.
The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and must be cleaned repeatedly. It is likely that an adult will be better equipped for these new routines and more likely to follow through with the directions.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Invisalign is an incredible treatment option for those looking to fix a dull or unhealthy smile. There are no food restrictions, no unsightly wires, and no painful bands. You can remove the aligners for short periods of time if needed, meaning you don’t need to be shy about your smile during the transition.
Invisalign will work best on someone who has all of t adult teeth. Thus, it is not usually recommended for children, but rather for adults and older adolescents. Additionally, Invisalign does come with some daily maintenance requirements that may be more than a child can reasonably take on.
“8 Times it Pays to Invest in Invisalign,” Dr. Charles Gemmi, Orthodontics Limited