Most people aren’t born with a perfectly straight, symmetrical smile. Fortunately, modern dentistry has devised a variety of methods for correcting tooth misalignment, so you can have a Hollywood-esque smile.
Traditional metal braces were the go-to option for many decades. While they still have a place in orthodontics, many patients are now opting for Invisalign clear aligners. Like traditional braces, Invisalign straightens crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth to create a more attractive smile. However, Invisalign benefits offer an edge over traditional braces.
How Invisalign Works
Both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners use the same mechanism to shift teeth into the desired positions: subtle yet constant pressure.
With traditional braces, metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands apply pressure to your teeth. The brackets are fastened to the front surface of the teeth, and a wire is inserted through each bracket. Over time, they slowly pull misaligned teeth into the proper placement. Your orthodontist adjusts the wires and the pressure during your appointments every four to six weeks.
Invisalign does not use brackets, wires, or bands. Nothing has to be adhered to your teeth. Instead, Invisalign utilizes a series of slightly varying clear aligners to correct tooth misalignment and crowding. The aligners are custom-made to your teeth, so the trays fit snugly over your smile. They apply gradual pressure to your teeth, slowly shifting them throughout your treatment. You wear each set of trays for one to two weeks before changing to a new set with a slightly different shape.
6 Invisalign Benefits
1. Invisalign aligners are much more discreet
One of the most appealing benefits of Invisalign clear aligners is their discretion. Traditional metal braces are very apparent. Everyone will know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Your braces will appear in every picture taken during your treatment (unless you choose not to smile). Many adults refuse orthodontic treatment for these reasons. They would rather live with a slightly crooked smile than wear noticeable braces for months.
Invisalign offers an alternative. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic and are practically invisible. You don’t have to hesitate before going to social events, business meetings, weddings, or any occasion where photos will be taken. No one will be able to detect that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment; that’s why Invisalign are called “invisible braces!”
2. You can eat and drink whatever you want
You have to make adjustments to your diet while wearing metal braces. For example, you must avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can get stuck in your braces or damage them. This includes things like nuts, candy, popcorn, and even crunchy vegetables. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can keep you from enjoying your favourite foods for the entirety of your treatment.
With Invisalign, this isn’t an issue. You can (and must) take your aligners out whenever you eat or drink. This means you can eat and drink whatever you want, while straightening your smile!
3. It’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene with Invisalign
Your regular oral hygiene habits become more complex while wearing metal braces. However, it’s more important than ever to keep your teeth clean. Braces are full of wires and brackets, which are difficult to brush and floss around. It’s also very easy for food debris to get trapped and concealed within your braces.
Consequently, you have an increased risk of cavities forming during your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth may also develop discolouration around the brackets, which you won’t notice until your braces are finally removed.
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you face none of these challenges. You can brush and floss your teeth as usual, without having to navigate an obstacle course of metal hardware attached to each tooth.
4. There’s less risk of injury with Invisalign
Invisalign is made from plastic and custom-fitted to your teeth. Although they can warp if exposed to heat and even break (don’t drink hot beverages while wearing your aligners!), you won’t be hurt in the process.
Conversely, metal braces do come with a risk of injury. If the braces break, sharp edges can be exposed on the brackets or wires, which can slice the inside of your mouth. Therefore, you should exercise caution when participating in contact sports during your orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a safer option, as you can simply remove the aligners and insert a mouthguard when it’s game time.
5. Invisalign is more comfortable
Invisalign’s custom plastic aligners are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth. That being said, you may experience some discomfort during the first day or two of wearing a new set before your teeth adjust. Nonetheless, the entire Invisalign process is, overall, very comfortable.
Metal braces, on the other hand, can cause soreness and discomfort. The wires and brackets can irritate the cheeks and gums, causing inflammation and sores. Additionally, newly tightened wires can put so much pressure on your teeth that it hurts to eat (or just hurts, in general).
6. Less dental visits are needed
Traditional metal braces need to be adjusted by your orthodontist every four to six weeks. This can be inconvenient at best or nerve-wracking at worst. Those with dental anxiety or dental phobia may dread having to visit a dental clinic with that frequency.
Invisalign generally requires fewer dental visits than traditional braces. There is no need for wire adjustments because Invisalign does not use wires. You still need to have your progress monitored by your orthodontist, but these follow-up appointments are only needed every six to eight weeks.
During these visits, you are given your next two to three sets of trays. You’ll switch to a new set at home, every one to two weeks, or as directed by your orthodontist.
Begin Your Invisalign Treatment at Bristol Dental Clinic
Bristol Dental Clinic offers invisible braces as an effective, comfortable, and discreet option for orthodontic treatment. You can achieve the same great result as with traditional metal braces, but without the downsides. We provide both Invisalign and MTM Clear Aligners at our dental clinic. To learn if invisible braces are right for you, please contact us to schedule your consultation.
To book an appointment with an orthodontist in Mississauga, or for more information on Invisalign benefits, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
