At this point, there are multiple methods for taking care of bite problems or crooked teeth. Invisalign is one of the most popular, and for good reason. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht of North Meridian Dental Excellence, a provider of cosmetic dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, highlights the many benefits of Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Instead of the system of brackets and wires that traditional metal braces use, Invisalign straightens your teeth with clear plastic aligners, capable of taking on mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. They’re custom-made for each patient to ensure the best results. The plastic they’re made of is thin enough to be comfortable, yet durable enough for everyday wear.
The Benefits of Invisalign
The main thing people love about Invisalign is that it’s much less visible than traditional metal braces. Since the plastic aligners are perfectly fitted to your smile, they’re hard to see unless someone is specifically looking for them. Many people won’t even know they’re there! In addition to being more subtle, Invisalign also often has a shorter treatment time. Typically, Invisalign treatment lasts 18 months or less.
You do have to wear your clear aligners for around 22 hours each day to get the results you want. But they are removable for certain circumstances. They’re taken out to eat so you don’t have to worry about foods getting stuck or breaking wires. You don’t have to learn how to brush properly with new appliances, either. The aligners are taken out for you to perform your normal oral healthcare routine.
The material that the aligners are made out of is designed to avoid irritating the gums and other soft tissue in the mouth. Traditional braces can often pinch gums. You may also have to utilize wax so that the wires and brackets don’t dig into the soft insides of your cheeks and lips. None of the soft tissues in your mouth should be negatively impacted.
The Invisalign Process
As with any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’ll first have a consultation with Dr. Ahlbrecht. He’ll go over your budget and cosmetic goals and give a full examination to ensure Invisalign is the right option for your needs. While many people are eligible, more extensive orthodontic problems are still best tackled by more traditional methods.
If Invisalign is a good fit for you, digital impressions will be taken so that the custom aligners can be made. The treatment plan is mapped out differently for each patient, so you’ll know how long they’ll need to be worn. Each set is worn for about two weeks and then switched to the next one in the progression. Semi-regular checkups will be scheduled so we can make sure your treatment is progressing the way it should.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana
Do you think Invisalign is the right choice to straighten out your smile? Call us or schedule an appointment online.