Traditional braces and Invisalign both improve the appearance of your smile. Likewise, both orthodontic treatments correct problems such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. However, Invisalign offers distinct benefits that traditional braces can’t match. Read on to learn more about the unique benefits of Invisalign.
Invisalign Offers Greater Comfort
In contrast to the square metal brackets used in traditional braces, Invisalign alignment trays are made of smooth plastic. There are no sharp edges that can irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth. Moreover, there’s no risk of a metal wire snapping inside your mouth.
Invisalign Is Much Less Noticeable Than Braces
As its name implies, Invisalign is close to invisible. The alignment trays generally cannot be seen from a distance, in photographs, or even on a video call. By contrast, traditional braces are very noticeable. However, to keep your alignment trays clear, you will need to take proper care to clean your trays at least twice a day.
Invisalign Can Be Removed
Being able to remove your alignment trays for a few hours each day offers convenience to both teens and adults. Athletes, for example, can remove their trays and replace them with a custom mouthguard when playing sports. You may also remove your trays for a couple of hours if you have a party, dinner, or after-work event that will involve eating, drinking, or speaking in front of others.
Invisalign Requires Fewer Appointments During Your Treatment
Because there are no wires to be tightened during treatment, patients who choose Invisalign will have fewer appointments throughout their treatment. However, it is important to note that it is up to the patient to comply with their treatment plan, which includes wearing the trays 20-22 hours per day. Failing to wear the trays as prescribed will result in prolonged treatment.
Invisalign Allows You to Eat Whatever You Want
The removable nature of Invisalign is a significant benefit, as it allows you to eat whatever you’d like. You may even chew gum for short periods when you are not wearing your trays. If you opt for traditional braces, you’ll need to avoid chewy, gummy, and especially hard or crunchy foods, as they can become stuck in the brackets or otherwise damage the braces.
Invisalign Doesn’t Compromise Oral Health
Invisalign allows patients to brush the entire surface of their teeth and floss normally. No special floss threaders or toothbrushes are necessary since the Invisalign trays are removable. This can help to promote better oral health as it is easy to clean each tooth, between each tooth, and along the gum line.
Treatment Times and Costs of Invisalign and Traditional Braces are Comparable
Today, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Insurance policies that provide coverage for orthodontic treatment will often apply to either braces or Invisalign. The duration of treatment is also comparable, with most patients completing Invisalign treatment within 18 months.
Invisalign in Silver Spring: Book a Consultation Today
A straight, aligned smile can boost your self-confidence while preventing problems such as excessive wear on the teeth due to a misaligned bite. Ready to begin your smile transformation with Invisalign? Book a consultation at Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring by calling 240-641-5828. You may also send us a message to request an appointment. To best accommodate our busy patients, Saturday appointments are available.