A clear decision for brighter and straighter teeth

Not only are traditional metal braces noticeable, but the person wearing braces has to make multiple trips to the dentist. Most people learn to live with the eating restrictions and are careful to clean between the brackets as much as possible. However, people find it difficult to continuing returning to the office to have the braces tightened. Fortunately, there is a new method for straightening teeth, known as Invisalign®.

Possible options for straighter teeth

For many children and adults, braces are the best method to straighten one’s teeth and create a perfect smile. Fortunately, there are new advancements in braces that allow for other options besides the traditional metal ones. The options include ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear braces and Invisalign®.

People may assume that braces only straighten teeth and align one’s bite for an aesthetic appearance, but braces help to prevent quite a few oral health issues. Mouthhealthy.org states that the following can occur if one continues with a misaligned bite:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Affected speech and/or chewing
• Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• Jaw problems

When applying traditional braces to the teeth, the dental professional attaches the brackets to each tooth with a type of dental glue. The professional then threads a metal wire through the brackets. “Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment from one to three years,” Mouthhealthy.org explains in regards to braces.

Due to this, many people may avoid braces and live with crooked teeth. Adults who have to wear braces or desire straight teeth, may not like the idea of having brackets on the teeth for everyone to see. Invisalign® is one method that allows for patients to straighten their teeth without all the brackets and wires.

Look good while straightening your teeth

Invisalign.com explains that “Invisalign® straightens your teeth using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you.” Patients will be able to wear comfortable and nearly invisible retainers that “gradually and gently shift your teeth into place.” The process is not as complicated as one might think either.

An Invisalign® dentist will be able to customize a series of clear aligners in a dental lab. Then the dentist “will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment,” invisalign.com writes. Invisalign® will slowly adjust with the patient’s teeth through a series of individual aligners.

A patient may only need to wear an aligner for about two weeks before switching to the next one in the set. This will help the teeth make the gradual change into the proper position. Along with being nearly invisible, Invisalign® is also removable. While a patient needs to wear the aligners for about “20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment,” invisalign.com writes, patients can still remove the aligners for eating, brushing and other sports activities.

With Invisalign®, patients will not need to go to the dentist’s office for adjustments and checkups every few weeks. The Patient can change the aligners to his or her personal schedule. Unlike with traditional braces, Invisalign® requires no adjustments and does not restrict what a patient can or cannot eat. An Invisalign® dentist will go over all of these factors in detail upon the consultation and installation.

If you or a loved one are interested in Invisalign® as a possible treatment, do not hesitate to call and schedule a consultation today.

Elite Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

At Elite Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, in Florence, KY, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Elite Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.