I'm Ready for Braces: Is Invisalign® the Answer?

While there have been many advances to orthodontic techniques that make braces less obvious, they remain a permanent fixture for your entire treatment period. Cemented to your teeth, they require some diet modification as well as complex hygiene procedures. You’ll also need an emergency plan for when a band comes loose. 

The revolutionary Invisalign® system of clear teeth aligners is not only discreet, but it’s also removable, so eating, brushing, and flossing are easy. So if you’re ready for orthodontic treatment, you need to learn if Invisalign is the answer. 

It’s time to consult with A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, to learn more. Most dental alignment cases can be treated with Invisalign. Dr. Benedict Kim and his team can examine your teeth to determine the best solution for you. While waiting for your appointment, here are the essential points you need to know to help you make a decision. 

How are teeth realigned? 

Since the designs of Invisalign and conventional braces are so different, it’s normal to wonder if the way your teeth move is somehow different. The quick answer is that it’s not. 

Your teeth and jaw make up a system with remarkable adaptivity. While teeth and bones seem solid and permanent, they’re still capable of movement, though it happens at a gradual pace. 

Pressure on a tooth in one direction transfers to increased pressure on the bone of the jaw ahead of the direction of movement. Similarly, pressure on the bone behind the tooth reduces. Your body responds to these varying pressures by removing bone tissue at the front and increasing bone density at the rear. 

Despite their different designs, both Invisalign and conventional braces create the force on your teeth necessary to move them to an aligned positioning. 

Are there drawbacks to choosing Invisalign?

There are rare cases where an alignment issue may be beyond the capabilities of the Invisalign system, but most common mild to moderate cases are easily corrected with Invisalign. 

While Invisalign’s removability is one of the system’s advantages, there are some rules to follow. While, with braces, you eat and drink with the system in place (since they can’t be removed), Invisalign trays must be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water. 

The trays can trap food and beverages against your teeth. That can promote staining of both teeth and trays, but a more significant issue is the potential for decay. It’s essential to brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal, drink, or snack to reduce the risk of accelerated decay. 

Despite the advantages of Invisalign’s removability, you still need to wear the system between 20 and 22 hours a day to keep your treatment on track. Failing to wear your trays as directed can extend your treatment by months. 

For most people, these drawbacks are minor and they don’t counteract the convenience, comfort, and virtually invisible nature of Invisalign. Book a consultation with A Caring Dental Group to find out more about Invisalign. 

You can make an appointment by phone or online. Call today to schedule your session.