Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. At Charles Street Dental, the aligners are made of BPA-free, thermoplastic material, making them comfortable to wear. The aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth and designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and floss, making Invisalign a more convenient treatment option.
book onlineWho Is a Suitable Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent fit for teens and adults who want straighter teeth. No matter how well you brush and floss, there is a high likelihood that you have some slight crowding or spacing issues. As the teeth shift and move during adolescence, they may become misaligned.
Invisalign corrects minor misalignments with ease. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you don’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious. Plus, they are removable, so you can take them out for meals and special occasions.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is custom-made for you based on digital scans of your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually move until they reach the position your orthodontist has prescribed. You’ll visit your doctor periodically to check progress and receive your following sets of aligners.
A Comparison of Invisalign and Traditional Braces
When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign offers the following key advantages:
Discreet
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic, so they’re virtually invisible to others. Traditional braces are metal, making them easy to spot and self-conscious about your smile.
Removable
When eating or brushing your teeth, simply remove your aligners. Traditional braces require special tools to clean around, damaging the enamel on your teeth.
More Comfortable
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they won’t irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth as braces can. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that can poke and scratch your cheeks and gums.
More Convenient
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. With traditional braces, you’ll need to watch what you eat carefully.
Shorter Treatment Times
The average Invisalign treatment is just 12 to 18 months. Traditional braces treatment can last anywhere from 18 months to 5 years.
Invisalign is an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. To learn more about the advantages of Invisalign, contact Charles Street Dental at 121 Charles St S Boston, MA, or call 617-226-2822.