5 Benefits of Invisalign

Choosing between treatment options like Invisalign and more traditional teeth straightening options like fixed braces can be very difficult. The treatment plans are vastly different, so it’s essential to understand what you can expect from each option.

This month, we’re looking at 5 benefits of using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. We’ll also look at how the treatment plan works, so you know what to expect. And finally, we’ll compare this to treatment plans like fixed metal braces so that you can understand the key difference.

What is Invisalign?

First things first, what is this treatment all about? Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that can help to straighten your teeth. It doesn’t impact the whiteness of your teeth, and you would need to arrange additional teeth whitening if this is something that concerns you. Invisalign trays are not used for whitening the teeth, but patients will often undergo professional teeth whitening at the end of treatment to achieve the perfect tooth shade.

Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position. At the start of the treatment, you’ll receive a case of aligners that you will change every 10 – 14 days. As you move through the aligner series, your teeth will get closer and closer to perfect alignment.

At the end of the treatment, you can switch to a permanent retainer or a night time retainer to help keep your teeth in the ideal alignment. Perfectly aligned teeth are not only aesthetically pleasing but they are also much easier to care for. We find that patients who invest in their smiles are also much more likely to enjoy good oral health in the long term.

How is Invisalign different from fixed braces?

You might only be aware of teeth straightening options like fixed braces. These use metal brackets bonded to the teeth to move the teeth into the correct position by running a wire between the brackets. Tension on the wire helps to move the teeth.

With fixed braces, you need to visit the dentist for every adjustment, but with Invisalign, you can change your aligners at home. This could be ideal if you can’t take the time off work to visit the dentist as often as is required with fixed braces. 

Another key difference with Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners to brush your teeth and eat your favourite meals. With no foods off limits, it can feel a lot less restrictive. Brushing your teeth is also much easier, so you won’t need special brushes to clean around your braces.

And finally, Invisalign is an almost clear and invisible treatment plan. The aligners fit perfectly over the teeth and are made from clear plastic, so people around you are less likely to notice the treatment. This makes it enduringly popular with professionals who work in public-facing roles, as it means their orthodontic treatment is much less visible.

Top 5 benefits of Invisalign 

Wondering if Invisalign could be right for you? Read on to learn more about our favourite features of this orthodontic system. 

1. Made to move all sorts of smiles, efficiently and gently

Invisalign treatment is clinically proven to help a wide range of teeth straightening issues from the mild to the complex, including gapped teeth, overcrowding, deep bites, cross bites, overbites and underbites. With over 5 million people treated to date you can be confident in receiving the smile you are looking for.

2. Digital planning and Invisalign App ensures that you are in control of your teeth straightening from day one

Invisalign takes the mystery out of teeth straightening, enabling you to see how your teeth will look prior to treatment with the Invisalign state of the art digital planning tool. The My Invisalign Smile App also allows you to record your journey and chart the changes in your teeth each time you change aligners.

3. Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack material and are virtually invisible

Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear for the necessary 22 hours a day, as they are made from proprietary SmartTrack material, which is trimmed to fit your exact gum line. The clear material and close fit also ensures that people are more likely to notice your changing smile, than the aligners doing the work.

4. Continue to perform your regular oral hygiene routine and eat a full and varied diet

By removing your Invisalign aligners you will be able to brush and floss your teeth as normal, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease while you are straightening your teeth. Also, no food will be off limits, as you will remove the aligners when eating. This can allow you to continue eating all of your favourite foods that might have been off limits with fixed braces. 

5. Reduced dental appointments and treatment times

In order to monitor the progress of your teeth straightening treatment it will only be necessary to attend for short appointments every 6 – 8 weeks, this will also allow the dentist to provide you with your next set of aligners. It is also now possible to change your aligners every week rather than every two weeks, meaning you can achieve the smile you want in as little as three months. That’s up to 50% faster than before.

How to get started with treatment

Not everyone is suited to Invisalign treatment, so you’ll need to start with a consultation to learn more about how it works. Your dentist will also examine your teeth to check if you could be a good candidate.

You’ll need to have good overall oral health to be able to start any orthodontic treatment, as it relies on healthy teeth and healthy gums to be successful. If you’re struggling with gum disease or tooth decay, we can help you to address these issues before moving forward.

If you would like to discuss if Invisalign is right for you, do not hesitate to call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929 and book to attend our Invisalign Promotional day on Saturday 30^th September, where you can take advantage of our fantastic one day only special offer.