Is Invisalign® Right for You?
Braces are no longer the only solution to crooked teeth. At Dental Associates of New England, our cosmetic dentists have years of expertise in administering Invisalign® to patients who want to avoid the pain and annoyance of traditional braces.
While they are quite different in application, both Invisalign® and traditional braces aim for the same goal: straightening your teeth for a more beautiful, straight smile.
What is Invisalign®?
Candidates for Boston Invisalign®treatment enjoy several advantages over traditional braces. Invisalign® is an orthodontic system that utilizes clear aligners that are custom-fit to gradually straighten teeth. Each aligner is designed specifically for each patient’s teeth and specific goals.
Since they are clear, Invisalign® aligners are discreet and are worn at all times, night or day, except for when eating, drinking, or teeth cleaning. Each Invisalign® aligner is worn for approximately two weeks. Then, a new, slightly different aligner is worn for two weeks; patients repeat this process until desired results are reached.
During this process, patients visit our Boston cosmetic dentist every four to six weeks to check progress and receive new aligners. After about nine to 15 months, or 18 to 30 aligners, patients typically have reached their orthodontic goals.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Many candidates for traditional braces and other orthodontic procedures may use Invisalign®. It can help a variety of alignment issues, including:
- Gaps in between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Crossbite due to jaw misalignment
- Overbite
- Underbite
Invisalign® candidates are patients 12 years of age or older who have molars that are fully grown in through the gums. Patients with crowns, bridges, or other restorative dentistry procedures may not be candidates for Invisalign®.
The easy removal of the transparent aligners is a wonderful aspect of Invisalign® that also carries with it responsibility. Patients must maintain a strict dental hygiene regimen and clean the aligners frequently to avoid food, plaque, and other bacteria from trapping between the aligners or teeth.
Why Invisalign®Is Better
The benefits of Invisalign® are clear. The translucency and discreet look of Invisalign® mean patients can live their lives quite normally and without the garish appearance of metal braces.
Invisalign® aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, with no wires or brackets that poke or scratch as in traditional braces. They fit smoothly over teeth and are virtually unnoticeable. If maintained and worn properly, the Invisalign® process takes about the same amount of time to satisfactorily straighten teeth as traditional braces.
Traditional braces prohibit patients from eating some foods that are easily trapped in braces. Invisalign® has no restrictions on what food a patient eats, as the aligners are removed before each meal. The easy removal of the aligners allows for patients to keep a regular hygiene regimen, including flossing, brushing, and rinsing, with no fear that braces will trap particles and cause decay.
For more information on your Boston Invisalign® dentists at Dental Associates of New England, contact us today for a complimentary, personalized consultation.
