State-of-the-art Invisalign has many advantages over traditional orthodontic treatments like braces. It straightens teeth with aligners made of clear plastic, rather than relying on conspicuous metal wires and brackets. This avoids any embarrassment over the course of your orthodontic care.
Unlike fixed braces – a permanent fixture in your mouth over many months – Invisalign aligner trays are removable, which offers benefits in terms of convenience and oral health. With so much going for these aligners, it’s not surprising that many individuals who want a straight, healthy smile consider Invisalign. That’s certainly the case at Irving dentist Dental Concepts & Orthodontics. But is Invisalign right for everyone? Are there any limitations on the types of orthodontic problems it can treat? You can find out here.
Problems Invisalign Aligners Can Fix
Both Invisalign aligners and conventional braces can correct crowded teeth and overlapping teeth and close gaps between teeth. Whether Invisalign aligner is right for you depends on many factors, but most people are good candidates. The system can treat around 90 percent of orthodontic cases.
Invisalign can address many orthodontic concerns, including:
- Slightly gapped teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Less severe cases of crowded teeth.
Invisalign can also fix bite problems such as:
- Crossbite – upper teeth biting on the inside of lower teeth.
- Open bite – lower teeth and upper teeth not making proper contact.
- Overbite – protruding upper front teeth.
- Underbite – lower teeth projecting beyond the upper teeth.
When Invisalign May Not Be the Best Solution
Invisalign uses less pressure than braces so it’s not the best treatment for more complex orthodontic concerns when teeth need to be moved substantially.
Braces may be more effective if you have:
- Short teeth.
- Round teeth.
- Teeth that have pronounced tips.
- Teeth that need a lot of rotation.
- Large spaces between teeth.
Invisalign may have its limitations. But the technology that drives the system is always being advanced to widen its range of treatments. And an experienced Invisalign dentist in Irving can typically treat a broader spectrum of orthodontic problems.
Invisalign When You’ve Had Other Dental Work
You may still be able to get Invisalign treatment if you’ve had other dental work done in the past. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis according to how Invisalign may affect dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, or bridges.
Want to Straighten Your Teeth Faster and More Discreetly?
Invisalign will be a particularly good, feasible option if you want to straighten your teeth in less time, more discreetly.
How Invisalign Straightens Teeth Faster than Braces
Braces treatment usually takes 18 months to two years. Invisalign aligners can straighten teeth twice as fast – within 12 to 18 months – with signs of improvement often noticeable after a few weeks. Invisalign can do this because of how the orthodontic system works, with a series of different aligner trays that are always working to achieve optimal repositioning of your teeth.
The aligners have SmartTrack technology that provides far more control than braces in how your teeth are moved. The aligner trays apply mild pressure in sequences of precisely timed movements. You wear each set of customized aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for one or two weeks.
Why Invisalign is Less Conspicuous and More Comfortable
Braces work by attaching brackets and wires to teeth. Many potential orthodontic patients don’t like the idea of many months with an altered appearance. This is one of the reasons Invisalign is so popular. Invisalign aligner trays are made from premium medical-grade transparent plastic (polyurethane resin) that’s practically invisible in the mouth.
And if you have a special occasion to attend, you have the option of removing your clear aligners for a short time, although it’s doubtful anyone will notice them. Invisalign aligners are also far more comfortable to wear than braces because they have flexible, smooth plastic edges. And the smart technology features ensure a snug fit with enhanced elasticity to lessen pressure on the teeth.
Convenience of Invisalign Aligners
The removability of Invisalign aligner trays also makes them more convenient than braces.
Braces come with a long list of dietary restrictions, with hard, crunchy or sticky foods off the menu for a long time. With Invisalign, you take out your aligners for meals and snacks, so you can eat all your favorite foods.
Removing your aligners also makes it easier to clean your teeth. Effective oral hygiene with braces can be notoriously tricky because of the brackets and wires. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners don’t need constant adjustments by your dentist. This means fewer trips to the dental office throughout the course of treatment.
What if Invisalign Isn’t Right for You?
If Invisalign treatment isn’t the best option for you, our Irving dentist can offer an alternative that still works more quickly than traditional braces. The solution is Fastbraces – fixed braces that remain in your mouth throughout treatment. Invented by a Dallas orthodontist, Fastbraces can straighten teeth in around 100 days, with noticeable results long before then.
Like regular braces, Fastbraces fix the more complex orthodontic issues by using metal wires and brackets attached to teeth. But the system’s groundbreaking dental technology streamlines the orthodontic process by moving the crowns of teeth at the same time as the roots.
The different design of Fastbraces also makes them more comfortable to wear than old-style braces. Clear brackets can be used to make Fastbraces even more discreet. And the faster treatment time can make Fastbraces less expensive than getting standard braces. Like Invisalign, Fastbraces provide more convenient treatment, with fewer dental appointments.
Get an Invisalign Consultation
With advanced technology, Invisalign embraces the same orthodontic principles as braces but works in a very different way. Invisalign aligners may look like little bits of plastic but they’re packed with hi-tech features that have revolutionized orthodontic treatment. For most patients, Invisalign achieves similar results, faster.
If you want to find out for sure whether you can enjoy all the benefits of Invisalign – or whether Fastbraces could be better – all you need do is schedule a consultation with Dental Concepts & Orthodontics.
