Braces are the best method of straightening your teeth and achieving a flawless smile, but many people are reluctant to wear traditional metal braces for the duration of their treatment time – particularly if they’re looking to straighten their teeth in adulthood.
Metal braces can sometimes be uncomfortable and cause wearers to feel self-conscious. However, this traditional teeth-straightening method is not the only option available, with Invisalign clear braces revolutionising the orthodontic industry.
Invisalign Technology
Dentists and assistant discussing the x-rayIdeal for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth more subtly, Invisalign invisible braces are virtually invisible to the eye, while still achieving fantastic results. The secret of Invisalign clear braces is in their innovative technological design, which harnesses the straightening power of traditional metal braces through a series of custom-made clear aligner trays.
These remove the need for your braces to be permanently bonded to your teeth and for wires to be tightened to shift your teeth into the position, and eliminate the drawbacks associated with metal braces such as discomfort and tooth etching.
Though not appropriate for all patients, Invisalign can be used to straighten the teeth of a wide range of people, including those with tooth crowding and underbites.
Invisalign Process
When straightening your teeth with Invisalign hidden braces, your orthodontist will book you in for an initial consultation to:
- Assess your current smile and tooth health
- Talk to you about the results you want to achieve
- Determine if Invisalign is right for you
- Talk you through the treatment process.
After taking moulds of your current bite and teeth alignment, your first set of Invisalign hidden braces clear aligner trays will be custom-made for your unique needs, and then fitted. These clear aligner trays are designed to gently shift your teeth into their correct positions. You will receive new clear aligners every 6 to 8 weeks for the duration of your treatment as the position of your teeth changes, with your orthodontist checking in during this time to assess your progress.
Once your clear braces have corrected your smile and straightened your teeth, you may be required to wear a retainer for 6 to 12 months to ensure your teeth remain in their correct positions. Your orthodontist will advise how often and long you’ll be required to wear your retainer, though in most cases this will only be required at night while you sleep.
Read our tips on How to choose the right orthodontist for you here.
Invisalign Benefits
There are many benefits of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces – the first and most obvious being that these clear braces are virtually invisible to the eye, which means there’s no need to feel self-conscious about your smile throughout the course of your treatment.
The second greatest benefit is that – unlike metal braces which are permanently bonded to your teeth for the duration of your teeth straightening treatment – your Invisalign clear aligner trays can easily be taken in and out of your mouth when you eat and brush your teeth. This makes eating, brushing and flossing easier, and ensures you can still maintain great oral health practices and take care of your teeth, without the risk of tooth etching and decay associated with metal braces.
Because Invisalign hidden braces aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear, you won’t have to worry about developing mouth or gum ulcers, which are a common issue presented by metal braces as their various components rub against the soft flesh inside the mouth.
Contact us to learn more about Invisalign clear braces results.
Alternatively you can book an obligation-free consultation at our Geelong clinic.