Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since it first began. Today, traditional metal braces are not the only option for fixing issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, and jaw problems. Invisalign is a modern treatment that can fix orthodontic issues in a different way than braces. It comes with a whole host of benefits and upsides that braces are not able to provide.
Read on to discover all the benefits of Invisalign!
More Discreet
When you have braces, they are visible when you smile or talk. Some of our younger patients enjoy getting to pick the colors of their rubber bands, but we understand that other patients may not want their orthodontics to be as noticeable. While we do offer clear braces brackets that are much less visible, the Invisalign is even less noticeable.
The trays are made of clear plastic that are contoured perfectly to the shape of your teeth, so when they’re clean and put in, they are barely noticeable.
No Food Restrictions
With braces, patients have to be careful with what they eat. It’s important to avoid extra hard foods such as nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, hard candies, hard crackers, ice, or whole apples. Patients also should avoid sticky foods that can get caught in the braces or around the brackets such as sticky candy or chewing gum.
With Invisalign, since the trays can be taken in and out, you don’t have to worry about what you eat. Simply take the trays out, eat your favorite food and drinks, clean your mouth out, and pop the trays back in.
Easier to Clean
You’ll have an easier time cleaning your teeth as well as your Invisalign with this type of treatment. With braces, you have to work a little harder to get in between the brackets and wires when brushing your teeth and flossing. With Invisalign, you simply take the trays out and brush and floss your teeth as usual.
The Invisalign aligners can and should also be cleaned; simply rinse or brush them every time you take them out. This will help keep your teeth as clean as possible.
Increased Comfort
While we do everything we can to ensure braces are as comfortable as possible, they can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, especially at the beginning. The metal braces could poke your cheek or gums and the feeling takes some getting used to. With Invisalign, since the trays are made of smooth plastic, they are typically more comfortable and take less time to adjust to.
Since they are custom-made for your teeth, they will fit perfectly and the only discomfort you may feel is when you switch to a new set of aligners.
Less Dental Visits
With traditional metal braces, you must visit the orthodontist office every few weeks to get your wires and brackets tightened, which can be slightly uncomfortable and take some getting used to. With Invisalign, there is no tightening or adjusting needed. Instead, you switch to a new set of plastic aligners, which can be sent straight to your home.
With Invisalign, you only need to come into the office every six weeks for a quick visit to ensure that you’re on track. Treatment times are also about the same.
Invisalign Dentist Near Me
Looking for an Invisalign-certified dentist in Chicago? Our board-certified Orthodontist, Dr. Li, has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics. With his years of expertise in orthodontics of all kinds, he has been able to help countless patients of all ages. At your initial consultation, he will do a thorough examination and discuss if you or your child could be a candidate for Invisalign.
Ready to perfect your smile, get straighter teeth, and improve your dental health? Give us a call today to find a treatment plan that works for you!