A well-aligned set of teeth is attractive, but the benefits go beyond aesthetics. Straight teeth are easier to clean and are less likely to experience problems like decay and premature wear and tear. If you have misaligned teeth but do not want to wear traditional braces, you may be thinking about asking your dentist if Invisalign in Fox Chapel is an appropriate solution for you. Let’s talk about some of the factors that go into determining who is a good candidate for this treatment.
Invisalign’s Effectiveness
Just like braces, clear aligners work by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the teeth, slowly moving them over time. However, traditional metal braces have broader applications than Invisalign; they’re able to correct even severe tooth misalignment and other orthodontic problems. Most of the time, Invisalign is best for use in cases of mild to moderate overcrowding or spacing issues. It may also be used to address minor bite problems.
As you may notice in the photo that accompanies this blog, the results Invisalign produces are not always “perfect,” but they are still a huge improvement over a patient’s previous situation. The patient in the photo was thrilled because she was able to straighten her teeth without the use of metal brackets and wires.
To find out if Invisalign is right for your teeth, visit a certified provider who can offer you an honest assessment of your situation. After they give you a realistic idea of how Invisalign could help you, they’ll recommend a treatment that they believe is best for your circumstances. Then, you can make an informed and confident decision about whether to move forward with Invisalign or to give further thought to traditional braces.
Personal Preference
In some cases, the matter of determining which orthodontic treatment is best boils down to a matter of personal preference. If either Invisalign or traditional braces could help you, you may opt for Invisalign because it offers some notable advantages, including:
- Aesthetics. Invisalign is much less noticeable than traditional braces; as their name implies, the aligners are almost invisible.
- Oral hygiene. Because the aligners are removable, they make it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene.
- No dietary restrictions. Invisalign’s removable nature allows you to eat almost anything. After you eat, you should give your mouth and the aligner a quick cleaning before you place it back on your teeth.
- Speed. Oftentimes, Invisalign works faster than traditional braces. The average treatment time is about one year.
- Comfort. Invisalign has no brackets and wires that may irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.
Are you ready to achieve a straighter, healthier smile? Visit your dentist in Fox Chapel to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is a general dentist with a certificate in orthodontics. He is proud to offer both clear aligner treatments (including Invisalign and ClearCorrect) and traditional braces. If you would like to talk to him about straightening your teeth, call one of our offices or contact us through our website.