Invisalign has changed the equation for adults who are weighing orthodontic treatment. In the past, many adults who wanted or needed straighter teeth would put off care simply because they did not want to deal with the hassle of metal braces. That hesitation often left patients feeling self-conscious about their smiles, and it can also contribute to oral health problems, since crooked teeth tend to be more prone to cavities and damage. Invisalign gives adults many of the same benefits as traditional braces while avoiding many of the drawbacks. Below are some of the ways Invisalign can help adults work toward a straighter smile.
Invisalign Aligners Stay Practically Unnoticeable
Plenty of adults who could benefit from orthodontic treatment already feel embarrassed about their teeth, and the idea of walking into a board meeting or a high school reunion with a mouth full of metal only adds to that discomfort. Metal braces can leave adult patients feeling self-conscious, and even a more discreet alternative such as ceramic braces tends to become noticeable once someone gets close enough to spot the archwires.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, and this is not just a marketing claim. In many cases, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers will not even notice you are wearing them. The clear, thin plastic used to craft each aligner helps it stay unnoticeable and unobtrusive throughout the day.
Comfort Sets Invisalign Apart From Adult Braces
That same thin, clear plastic also plays a role in comfort, making Invisalign considerably easier to wear than traditional adult braces. Metal braces tend to feel bulky, and even after patients adjust to having them in their mouths, irritation can still crop up. If a cheek or lip rubs against a bracket the wrong way, a sore spot can develop, and a small shift in the archwire may leave a sharp edge poking at the cheek until an appointment can be scheduled to fix it.
Speaking of appointments, traditional braces also call for monthly adjustment visits to the orthodontist’s office. Each time the wires are tightened or adjusted, patients can experience discomfort, headaches, and difficulty eating certain foods. Invisalign works differently, since aligners are typically swapped out every two weeks, which allows tooth movement to progress more gradually and generally causes less discomfort. Patients still come into our office every six weeks for a check-in, though these visits are simply to confirm that treatment is progressing as planned. Discomfort is typically minimal with this approach.
Invisalign Helps You Keep Your Normal Routine
Traditional adult braces can be inconvenient in a number of ways. Brushing and flossing takes extra time, and patients need to keep track of which foods are off limits. Brackets can also break, which sometimes means scheduling an emergency appointment for repairs. Regardless of how long a patient wears braces, the constant upkeep they require tends to make them hard to forget.
Invisalign removes many of these hassles, since aligners can be taken out whenever needed. Morning and nighttime routines stay largely the same, aside from a quick cleaning of the aligners themselves. Patients can also continue enjoying their favorite foods without much restriction. Emergency repairs are typically not a concern, and many patients find that, between removing and reinserting their aligners, they barely notice they are wearing them at all.
Find Out More About Invisalign for Adults
If you are weighing Invisalign against traditional adult braces, our team offers complimentary consultations to help determine whether the system may be a good fit for you. Reach out to us today at 704-875-1621 to schedule an appointment.