What is Invisalign? Breaking Things Down
When most people think of the types of techniques used to correct a crooked smile, gaps between teeth or other dental-related issues, they normally call to mind images of the exact same thing: traditional braces.
When someone wears traditional braces, small metal brackets are attached to each one of their teeth. A long metal wire is then used to connect all of those brackets together, and the tightness of that wire gently moves the teeth into their desired position over time. Most people wear braces for about two years, although obviously that depends a great deal on the specific situation.
Invisalign, however, is something totally different. The end result is the same - you get that perfect smile you've always wanted - but the journey to get to that end result is something new.
With Invisalign, patients wear a series of clear plastic aligner trays. Every few weeks, they swap out one set of trays for another and that is ultimately what moves the teeth from one position to another.
The major benefit of this, of course, is a brace-free smile. Even though traditional braces technology has come a long way over the last decade, you can still unquestionably tell when someone is wearing them. Not so for Invisalign, which is clear - and thus, the most discreet way to correct your teeth available on the market today.
Another major benefit of Invisalign is that the trays themselves can be removed - meaning that there are no dietary restrictions or other lifestyle changes to worry about. A lot of people also love the fact that they are far more comfortable to wear - thus leading to something of a perfect storm in the best possible way.
The Technology Used in Invisalign
Although Invisalign itself is inherently straightforward, the technology at the heart of it all is anything but.
After careful measurements are taken of a person's teeth, the clear plastic aligner trays used in Invisalign are actually 3D printed - thus acting as something of a "second skin" for the patient's teeth.
The technique used to take measurements is very precise, which means that it all takes a very detailed image of the teeth. This means that not only are the trays themselves incredibly comfortable, but the smile that you'll get when the process is complete is something you get to see BEFORE it actually begins - allowing you to confirm beyond the shadow of a doubt that the whole process will be more than worth it.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign itself brings with it a wide range of benefits that cannot be ignored. Chief among them is that the trays are flexible - meaning that they can be removed during special occasions like picture day at school, for example.
Invisalign also brings with it far fewer visits to the orthodontic office, as well as less time for each appointment. Any adjustments that need to be made are made to the trays, not to brackets and wires - so all told, you'll probably be in and out in 15 minutes or less.
Finally, it's far easier to maintain dental hygiene all throughout treatment. All you have to do is pop your aligners out, brush your teeth, floss your teeth, then brush the aligners. After that you can pop them right back in and continue to enjoy that comfortable, stylish brace-free smile that you've come to know and love. It really doesn't get much more straightforward than that.