Invisalign Treatment in Central PA
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that aligns teeth through the use of a clear aligner which is generated from a computer-generated scan and impressions taken of your mouth by your dentist. Once the scans and impressions are complete, you will receive a series of clear aligners that gradually progress to align your teeth over the span of a few months. This gradual process, very much like traditional braces, will force your teeth into a new aesthetically pleasing and functional position.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and Braces?
Invisalign and traditional braces both achieve the same results, to improve the alignment of your teeth and produce a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. Invisalign treatment and traditional braces also can help patients achieve better overall oral health through proper occlusion of their teeth, improving dental hygiene and aiding in better oral health habits.
The differences between the two are more than the visual difference between the clear aligner and traditional metal braces. Both of these treatment methods also have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you and your dentist to decide what’s best for you.
The two orthodontic treatment methods both share some similarities, but we’re going to cover the main differences and benefits of Invisalign clear aligner treatment below.
A visible difference
Invisalign is made from a clear, BPA-free plastic that makes them virtually invisible when they’re being worn. This makes them a popular choice for people who work in a more social setting or for adults that don’t want to wear the traditional metal wire braces. While sometimes patients enjoy choosing different color bands for their metal braces, most patients prefer the appearance of Invisalign.
If you’re looking for a discreet clear aligner treatment, Invisalign is the right choice when it comes to visual appearance during treatment.
Is Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces?
Before we discuss the difference in the comfort of Invisalign over traditional braces, we need to first address that the process of straightening your teeth is not the most comfortable process, no matter what treatment option you choose.
Now, when we begin to compare the difference in comfort between traditional metal braces and Invisalign, most of our patients are more comfortable wearing Invisalign clear aligners than traditional braces. This is mostly due to the clear aligner treatments that tend to apply less pressure to the teeth and spread the pressure out over a larger area of the mouth versus traditional metal braces. The other major comfort difference that is immediately noticeable is that you can avoid the sharp metal edges of traditional braces that can irritate or cut the inner lips or tongue.
Another benefit of Invisalign is for adults and children that play contact sports, allowing the clear aligner to be removed to avoid damage whereas metal braces can be at risk of damage due to contact or trauma in sports like soccer, football, lacrosse, hockey, etc.
Which is more convenient, Invisalign or braces?
Traditional braces and Invisalign both have their pros and cons when it comes to convenience. Traditional braces can prevent you from eating certain foods while Invisalign allows you to enjoy your favorite sticky or hard foods. But since Invisalign are removable, it can be a problem for you or a child that may be prone to misplacing items. It’s just important to establish a routine of care when removing your clear aligners to keep them stored safely and remember to place them back in once you’re done eating.
Care and Cleaning of Invisalign vs Braces
Whether you have traditional metal braces or Invisalign, it’s imperative that you clean your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Following your routine oral hygiene routine is critical through the treatment process of either treatment.
Typically our patients find the cleaning and care routine with Invisalign to be much easier with because they can brush and floss the same as before treatment. The only added care routine that comes with Invisalign is the cleaning of your aligner trays. Your trays should be cleaned after every meal with warm water and a brush or the Invisalign cleaning solution.
If you don’t follow the proper care and cleaning of your Invisalign trays, you may get a buildup of solid food or bacteria in the crevices and hard-to-reach areas of your trays.
Which is better for you?
The choice between traditional metal braces or Invisalign comes down to two things, a discussion with your dentist on which they recommend based on your specific case and your personal preference. Depending on your or a child’s specific treatment plan, your dentist may recommend seeing an orthodontist for traditional metal braces, or there may be certain issues that prevent you from getting Invisalign treatment.
Either way, whether you choose Invisalign or go the traditional braces direction, you’re making a decision to make you feel more confident in your smile.
Contact us today for a consultation for Invisalign and to discuss your options for a beautiful and healthy smile!