One of the first things anyone notices about you is your smile. As a busy adult, your smile is projected in professional and personal environments, from job interviews and client meetings to hanging out with friends and attending events. A bright, beautiful smile is an easy first step toward success. If you have been wanting to modify your smile but shudder at the thought of a mouth full of metal, we suggest you try Invisalign, a revolutionary approach to adult orthodontics, changing the world one smile at a time.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that utilizes custom-made, clear, removable aligners to shift your teeth into the proper position slowly. They are made with a smooth, translucent, medical-grade plastic that fits perfectly to your teeth due to 3D image technology used to design aligners. As an alternative to traditional braces in adult orthodontics, Invisalign makes waves with its slew of benefits.
The Benefits of Invisalign for Adult Orthodontics
#1: Discreet Appearance
As an adult, you face countless interactions throughout your days where your smile matters. Unfortunately, traditional braces are often easy to see and can make one feel more self-conscious. Invisalign provides a discreet appearance, as the clear plastic blends in with your teeth so that most people can’t even tell you are wearing them.
#2: Convenience & Ease
As an active adult, utilizing Invisalign allows you more convenience and ease of use than traditional braces. When going to lunch, you can easily pop your aligners out to eat and brush your teeth and then pop them back in. If you play a sport, your aligners can come out, and a mouthguard can go in! This convenience makes a substantial difference in the busy day of an active adult.
#3: Advanced Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made with smooth plastic, which creates less irritation to the gums and cheeks compared to traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires. This advanced comfort makes talking, eating, and smiling far gentler on the mouth, which is especially important for those who have work meetings or social events.
#4: Improved Oral Hygiene
With traditional braces, you are faced with having to clean between each bracket after every meal. This can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when it comes to flossing. With Invisalign, you can go about your oral hygiene normally with minimal added requirements.
#5: Shorter Treatment Length
Depending on the severity of your case, Invisalign can provide a shorter treatment length than traditional braces, especially if you are dealing with minor problems such as an overbite.
Of course, we want to note that Invisalign is not always the proper treatment solution. For complex cases, traditional braces may be the preferred option.
How the Invisalign Treatment Works
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Assessment
The first step for adult orthodontics is the initial consultation and assessment. Here, your orthodontist will carefully assess your oral health and personal preferences to provide the best recommendation. To do this, you will meet with your orthodontist to evaluate your orthodontic status and determine which treatment course is best for your unique case. If Invisalign is the recommended treatment, you move on to step 2!
Step 2: 3D Imaging to Customize Aligners
Next, your orthodontist will use advanced 3D image technology to create a digital model of your teeth to plan your treatment course accurately. That model will then be used to create your Invisalign aligners so they are custom-fitted to your mouth.
Step 3: Treatment Plan & Progression
Now, it is time to get started! As you begin, your orthodontist will walk you through the treatment plan. By wearing your aligners 20-22 hours a day, your teeth will slowly shift into the proper positions. Typically, you will change your aligners to the next set every week until you’ve concluded your treatment.
Step 4: Regular Check-Up & Adjustments
As your teeth move throughout the treatment, regular check-ups with your orthodontist allow them to monitor your progress and implement adjustments as needed. This allows for a smooth and efficient treatment.
Step 5: Achieving a Beautiful Smile
A successfully completed treatment equals a beautiful and confident smile! Now that your teeth are aligned, you simply have to keep them maintained with retainers and regular oral hygiene techniques!
Debunking Common Invisalign Myths
As one of the most popular adult orthodontic treatments available, it is no surprise that a few misunderstandings have come about. Today, we will share the most common myths with you and the actual facts you need to know!
Myth: All aligners are the same.
Fact: Not all aligners are made at the same quality as Invisalign. Invisalign has developed a revolutionary technology that has made it the best product on the market for a reason. Off-brand aligners will not have the same results.
Myth: You can wear your aligners whenever you want.
Fact: Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day – only taking them out when you eat, perform oral hygiene, or participate in contact sports that require a mouthguard. If you are not consistent with wearing your aligners, it can drastically slow down your treatment.
Myth: Invisalign is more expensive than braces.
Fact: Invisalign and braces are comparable in price. As with braces, the cost of Invisalign will depend heavily on your unique situation, treatment plan, and dental insurance coverage.
Myth: You don’t have to pay attention to your oral hygiene with Invisalign.
Fact: Compared with traditional braces that require more extensive cleaning requirements, Invisalign is the easier option. You will be able to take out your aligners when you eat, which will allow you to rinse them and brush your teeth with ease. While it is a more straightforward process, you should maintain an consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing daily.
Myth: Invisalign is painful.
Fact: Invisalign aligners can be uncomfortable and cause some soreness in the mouth when you first get them and when you switch aligners. However, the discomfort should fade quickly as your mouth adjusts.
Book Your Adult Orthodontics Appointment with Greg Brown Orthodontics
Are you ready to achieve a beautiful smile you can confidently utilize personally and professionally? We at Greg Brown Orthodontics are here to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. To get started, please schedule a consultation with us!
