Braces are an excellent option for helping orthodontic patients achieve healthy teeth and jaws. However, taking your lifestyle and personality into account when deciding on Invisalign or braces can be helpful. Some patients may feel self-conscious about having the noticeable brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. Some people prefer more of an “under-the-radar” solution. Others may opt for Invisalign because they play sports or a musical instrument and don’t want the hassle of orthodontic hardware. An experienced and knowledgeable orthodontic professional, shares some of the leading advantages of Invisalign below.
- They’re nearly invisible: The aligners used to move the teeth are smooth and clear, making them almost invisible. Most of the time, people won’t notice that you’re wearing them.
- They’re more comfortable: Clear aligners are considered quite comfortable. They’re custom-designed for a patient’s mouth, so they get a perfect fit. The material from which they are made is nice and smooth—it won’t snag or lead to accidental cuts or irritation to your cheeks and lips like wires and brackets can—this is a particular advantage for musicians and athletes.
- They’re removable, so allow for better dental cleaning and hygiene: Invisalign clear aligners offer the convenience of being removable. Patients don’t have any food restrictions, as they can take them out to eat and drink. They can also remove them to floss and brush, so maintaining proper oral hygiene is less challenging.
- Saves time and offers convenience: From the initial scans of the mouth to the treatment planning, everything is made more convenient, comfortable, and precise because of modern technology. No regular adjustments are necessary, like with braces, so patients tend to spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair.
Plus, patients get fabulous results!
Why Choose an Orthodontist for Invisalign?
You may have seen the mail-order aligners on the internet. While it may be enticing to try mail-order aligners, there’s more to the process merely simply shifting a rogue tooth. Orthodontists undergo significant training to perform the Invisalign process. That’s on top of the multiple years of orthodontic education an orthodontist undergoes to understand the mechanics of tooth movement and jaw growth fully.
Much work goes on behind the scenes, as the aligners are designed based on an orthodontist’s prescribed tooth movements. An Invisalign lab prints them out, but the orthodontic professional is the person who maps out how and when each tooth moves to ensure your results are lasting, healthy, and will complement your facial structure. That’s why it is recommended you choose a well-trained orthodontist to guide you through the Invisalign process.
An orthodontist is trained in preventing, diagnosing, and treating malocclusion (the technical term for problems with the size, spacing, or positioning of the jaws and teeth). Straightening your teeth is an intricate medical procedure, and a qualified, trained professional should establish your treatment plan and monitor you throughout the process. This may be the best way to ensure your bite will be healthy, functional, and fully aligned.
An orthodontist may be able treat patients with Invisalign, even if complex tooth movements with aligners and attachments are necessary. For more information about orthodontics, contact an orthodontist, like John Redmond Orthodontics.