A Special Report on Invisalign and Clear Braces

clear braces in less time

Need braces but don’t want a mouth full of metal?  If you’re older, in the spotlight, or just a bit self-conscious, don’t worry. You can take steps towards a beautiful smile and no one has to know.

What’s the secret?

The secret is Invisalign®, a system of customized clear aligners that fit teeth like a glove. Invisalign corrects a number of dental challenges including overbites, under bites, deep bites, open bites, crossbites, midline shifts, crowded teeth and teeth spaced too far apart.

Specially-trained dentists use 3-D computer imaging technology to map teeth and create an appropriate treatment plan that’s based on your unique dental challenges. But that’s not all. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, removable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits.

Nicer Appearance

A special thermoplastic material is what gives Invisalign aligners that nearly invisible appearance. The material is actually a Class IV medical-grade polyurethane resin that does not contain the highly controversial Bisphenol-A, known more commonly as BPA. The material is proven safe for use in the mouth and the high molecular weight material adds strength and durability while maintaining flexibility.

To ensure aligners maintain their nearly invisible appearance, wearers are encouraged to refrain from smoking while wearing them since smoke could cause them to become discolored. For optimal appearance, wearers are also advised to properly maintain their aligners.

Comfort

Each clear aligner fits over a series of teeth in the same way trays that contain whitening ingredients do. Each aligner is customized using the computer-imaging technology for a perfect fit. Several different sets of aligners will be created for wear throughout the treatment period. That helps ensure teeth continue moving towards their ultimate destination. Since there aren’t any wires or metals brackets, there’s nothing to irritate gums or cheeks.

Some patients do report feeling occasional discomfort. But that tends to happen during the first few days after a patient begins wearing a new set of aligners. The discomfort some feel is nothing more than the added pressure that’s being applied to the teeth from each newly customized aligner. Discomfort subsides as the patient becomes accustomed to the pressure and observes the progress that’s being made. Most patients readily admit that the results they see are worth the feelings of temporary discomfort.

Removability

Removability is another huge benefit over traditional braces. Most Invisalign patients are instructed to wear their aligners about 22 hours a day. The only time aligners shouldn’t be worn is when patients need to eat or drink beverages other than water or when aligners and teeth need to be cleaned. Because they can’t be worn while eating, there aren’t any restrictions on what wearers can and cannot eat.

Taking off and re-inserting aligners takes a little getting used to. But after that, taking them off and putting them back on should be relatively quick and easy. And that’s important since wearers need to do this several times each day.

Just like breaking in a new pair of leather shoes, it takes a few days to “break in” each new set of aligners. During the first few days when new aligners are especially tight, a bit of extra effort may be needed when removing or re-inserting.

Some dentists advise a removal system that begins with the inside back teeth so it’s easier to pull the aligners out and towards the front of the attachments. There are also special tools that can help with removal/insertion. These tools are especially useful to anyone with short fingernails or big hands.

Easier maintenance

The ability to remove and reinsert Invisalign aligners makes maintenance a breeze. As already mentioned, aligners must be removed while eating and drinking. They also need to be cleaned before reinserting. Since they’re already off, this is the perfect time to brush and floss teeth.If you know anyone with traditional braces, you know that getting dental floss in between teeth where plaque likes to form is quite a challenge. So is moving the toothbrush bristles above those metal brackets and around the gum line; another place plaque gathers.

With Invisalign, there aren’t any wires, bands, or brackets to get in the way of proper dental hygiene. Less plaque build-up means less chance of tooth decay, demineralization and gum disease.

To keep Invisalign aligners clear and odor-free, it’s a good idea to brush them after each meal. Adding an antimicrobial mouthwash to the aligner storage case and soaking them a few minutes each day also helps eliminate odor.

As you can see, with Invisalign, it is possible to have beautiful teeth without an unsightly mouth full of silver. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign looks better, feels better, accommodates individual lifestyles better and makes maintenance easier.
And these are all great reasons to consider this innovative teeth straightening system.