Invisalign
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Invisalign is a modern approach to orthodontics that uses a series of virtually invisible plastic aligning trays to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments, Invisalign is nearly impossible to detect. The transparent polyurethane aligning trays are customized to fit your teeth and straighten your smile in stages.
Invisalign is a great option for people with overbite, underbite, or crooked, overcrowded, or widely spaced teeth. It’s an especially nice option for adults who don’t want to have to resort to plainly visible metal braces in order to achieve a beautiful smile.
Having properly aligned teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Properly aligned teeth allow for an overall healthier mouth. With straighter teeth, your gums will fit more comfortably around your teeth and provide better defense against periodontal disease. And since Invisalign is removable, it’s much easier to brush and floss, avoiding the plaque and tartar buildup issues commonly associated with traditional metal braces.
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Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign trays are completely transparent, so they are nearly impossible to detect. This makes Invisalign a great option for adults looking to straighten their smile or correct bite issues without having to resort to unsightly traditional metal braces.
Invisalign trays are removable, so they can help straighten your smile without forcing you to avoid foods that might damage your braces. With Invisalign, you can simply remove the aligning tray to eat and then replace it when you're done.
It's also much easier to brush and floss with Invisalign. You won't need to use special orthodontic toothbrushes or floss threaders to work around fixed braces. Just pop out the Invisalign trays and clean away!
Invisalign trays are less encumbering and more comfortable than standard metal braces. There are no wires or brackets bonded to your teeth, so your gums and cheeks will be less irritated while wearing your Invisalign trays.
Invisalign treatments are also typically shorter than treatment with standard braces and don’t require regular trips to the doctor for adjustments. Simply wear your aligning tray for about two weeks and move on to the next one. In about a year, you’ll notice a dramatic difference in your smile.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
The removable feature of the Invisalign system can also be a negative. Traditional braces are bonded to your teeth, so you can’t take them off whenever they bother you. Invisalign is designed to be more comfortable than braces, but it still requires you to make a strong commitment to wear your aligning trays at all times (except when brushing, flossing, or eating). If you don’t stick to your doctor’s treatment plan, your next aligner may not fit, in which case you’ll need to visit the doctor again and have new impressions and aligners made.
Invisalign trays are prone to damage if you have a habit of clenching and grinding your teeth. You can always order replacements if you damage your aligners, but if grinding your teeth is a chronic problem, you may have to consider other options.
Invisalign trays apply less force to the teeth than standard braces, so they might not be the right choice if you need to straighten especially problematic or severely misaligned teeth.
As with standard braces, some patients may experience allergic reactions to the polyurethane material that the Invisalign trays are made from. This can range from minor irritation to a severe allergic reaction.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Every patient’s case is unique, so the only way to be sure if you’re a candidate for Invisalign treatment is to schedule a consultation with a certified Invisalign dentist. If it turns out that Invisalign is a good fit for you, your dentist will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth and order your custom-fit Invisalign trays. When they arrive, simply pop in your first aligner and you’re on your way to your perfect smile! Call our San Francisco office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rostker and find out if Invisalign is right for you!
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