Wish you had straighter teeth, but don’t want a mouth full of metal brackets and wires? Invisible aligners could be a great choice for you! Invisible aligners are a custom made series of snug-fitting clear aligners that gently straighten your teeth over the course of several months, and are virtually undetectable when worn.
Who Can Use Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are an excellent option for older teens and adults. Children and younger teens are usually not good candidates, because their teeth are still growing. Invisible aligners can correct mild to moderate crowding, spacing and bite issues.
How Invisible Aligners Work
Unlike traditional metal braces, which are cemented onto your teeth and can only be removed by your orthodontist, invisible aligners can be removed easily by the wearer! Though aligners should be worn every single day for at least 22 hours a day for effective results, while awake and while asleep, aligners can be removed to eat and to clean teeth.
Invisible aligners are carefully plotted and tailor made for your mouth, and are designed to gradually and gently move teeth into place over time. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then switched to the next in the series of aligners. Depending on your unique case, treatment can last anywhere between three to eighteen months.
Benefits of Invisible Aligners Vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Appearance: Virtually undetectable, invisible aligners are fantastic for those who want a straighter smile without unsightly metal wires and brackets. Since you remove them to eat, there is also no chance of embarrassing incidents like unknowingly having food stuck in braces. And best of all, your smile will look natural through every step of your treatment.
Comfort: Because they are custom-made for your mouth, invisible aligners are extremely comfortable, with most patients experiencing only a very short adjustment period before they feel completely comfortable.
Convenience: They are easy to remove while eating and cleaning your teeth.
Improved Oral Hygiene: Unlike with traditional braces, you will be able to brush and floss normally by simply removing your invisible aligners while you clean your teeth.
No Changes to Your Diet: Since you remove aligners to eat, you won’t have to give up chewy, crunchy or hard foods that can be problematic with metal brackets and wires.