When you have crooked teeth, your smile is significantly affected. Not only that, but crooked teeth also impact your oral health. They can leave you at an increased risk for cavities, gum disease, tooth damage, bruxism, and TMJ disorder. For decades, the only solution for crooked teeth was metal braces. Even though metal braces are effective, and still a popular solution today, they are not the most aesthetic treatment. At Ford Dental Group, we can provide you with a different way to straighten your teeth with Invisalign.
Traditional Braces
For decades, metal braces have been the only solution available for correcting tooth alignment. This treatment involves the use of small metal brackets and wires. The brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth at your very first appointment and remain in place throughout the duration of your treatment. A wire spans each arch of teeth, affixed to the brackets using small elastic O-rings called ligatures. The wires work to move your teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign vs Braces, a topic we are all curious about. While effective, metal braces do have a few significant drawbacks. One major disadvantage is their visibility. Metal braces stand out against your teeth and can overtake your entire smile. For many patients, particularly older teens and adults, this can be a major source of embarrassment. Metal braces can also cause discomfort. The brackets can rub cheeks, causing painful sores. Additionally, if a wire breaks, it can poke your intraoral tissues, causing pain.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces. Instead of brackets and wires, this treatment uses clear plastic aligners to correct your tooth alignment. The plastic aligners, made from impressions of your mouth, fit over your teeth much like a whitening tray. Because the aligners are clear, they practically disappear from view, rendering them undetectable when you smile.
In addition to being clear, Invisalign aligners are also removable. They can, and should, be removed when you eat and when you brush your teeth. However, they should be left in at all other times. Ideally, your aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day to achieve the best results in the least amount of time.
Undergoing Invisalign Treatment
To create your aligners, we need to take digital impressions of your mouth. We can also use specialized software to see your treatment every step of the way. This allows you to see what your smile will look like before your treatment even begins.
With Invisalign, you use a series of aligners. Each set of aligners is slightly different, which allows us to gradually realign your teeth. They are designed to be worn for two weeks at a time. Rather than wire, the plastic of the aligners works to move your teeth. It puts pressure on your teeth, which puts pressure on the periodontal ligaments surrounding them. This pressure widens the ligaments, loosening your teeth so that they can be shifted into proper alignment. Once your treatment is complete, you will be provided with a retainer to help you maintain your results.
The Benefits Of Invisalign
There are many benefits associated with Invisalign. These benefits include:
- Near invisibility. When placed over your teeth, no one will be able to tell that they are there.
- Removability. You can take your aligners out and put them back in at will. Even so, they should still be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day for the best results.
- Enjoy all of your favorite foods without restrictions.
- Easy oral care. You can brush and floss your teeth normally.
- Greater comfort. The aligners are smooth and will not irritate your intraoral tissues.
- Fewer office visits.
- Reduced treatment time. Most patients see results in less than a year.
With Invisalign, we can help you to achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile in a much more discreet manner. No one will be able to tell that you are wearing your aligners. For more information, and to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign, contact Ford Dental Group at (714) 409-6161 to schedule your appointment today.
