Children may not be as self-conscious about their appearance as most adults are, so traditional metal braces may be of little concern to a young orthodontic patient. However, if you are an adult or a teen with misaligned teeth, you may desire an orthodontic option that has a minimal impact on your appearance. Invisalign may be a better option for you than traditional metal braces. Here are a few advantages that are enjoyed by people who wear Invisalign aligners:
Discreet Straightening
The Invisalign system uses plastic aligners to move your teeth into correct position. Unlike conventional braces with metal brackets that are readily visible, Invisalign aligners are clear, so they are not easily noticed in your mouth.
Faster Orthodontic Straightening
The aligning trays are able to straighten your teeth up to 18 times faster than traditional braces. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before it is exchanged with the next set of trays, so your dental alignment progresses quickly.
Conventional braces use metal brackets, elastic bands and an archwire to straighten teeth. However, the elastic bands, which are used to hold the archwire against the brackets, create friction. Thus, the aligning force of the braces must be great enough to overcome the friction and align your teeth, and as a result, the additional force that is required to overcome the friction can make the aligning process less comfortable.
Less Embarrassment When Eating
Particles of food can easily become caught in the brackets of traditional braces. Unfortunately, the person wearing the braces may not be aware of the trapped food until he or she notices it when looking in a mirror after the meal.
Invisalign aligners are removable and only need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to align your teeth. You can remove them during meals and eat in your usual manner.
Easier Brushing and Flossing
Invisalign aligners can also be removed for brushing and flossing. With traditional braces, extra care must be taken to clean around the brackets and archwire. In addition, the elastic bands can harbor bacteria and plaque.
Invisalign trays are easily removed, and you can brush and floss as you normally would.
If you are an adult or teen who needs dental alignment, consult with an orthodontist in your area. He or she can assess the state of your mouth and determine the best options for straightening your teeth.
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