If people in Washington State were given a choice between Invisalign and traditional braces, most of them would probably choose Invisalign. They have become quite popular in the United States for realignment and straightening of teeth. Invisalign has its advantages and some disadvantages as well. If you want to know more about Invisalign and its proper application, a dentist in Tukwila, WA, can help you with any assistance that you may need with your dental health care.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign was introduced by Align Technology in 1998. Invisalign is basically a thin type of clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. It is made of a flexible thermoplastic material. This product was designed to make the treatment almost “invisible” to others, which means they are not invisible altogether but much less apparent or visible than other alternatives. It can be used to treat dental problems such as crossbite, open bite, tooth gap, or crowded teeth.
What are the pros of Invisalign?
There are quite a few advantages to using Invisalign, such as:
- They are aesthetically pleasing:
As Invisalign is almost invisible to others, it is a major reason why people choose them over something like traditional braces.
- You can easily remove them:
Invisalign can be physically removed much easier if you need to remove the aligners.
- You can easily clean your teeth:
Since Invisalign is removable, you can easily brush and floss your teeth after removing them without any hindrance, allowing you to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth significantly.
- Less potential problems:
A bracket may fall off, or a wire may break with traditional braces, as is often reported by people using them. But with Invisalign, you would not have to face such potential problems.
What are the cons of Invisalign?
Invisalign has some disadvantages as well, such as:
- Less effective for complex problems:
Some research has suggested that Invisalign is mostly effective for those who only need certain types of movements, and a dentist may recommend some other alternative for more complex problems or issues.
- It needs compliance:
If you want maximum benefit out of Invisalign, you need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day. And if you think you will be slipping them out more often, it is probably not the best choice for you.
- You need to remove them before eating or drinking:
You need to take out the aligners from your mouth when you are about to drink or eat something, as the particles may get inside your aligners, which may cause bacteria to grow and eventually lead to cavities. Moreover, if liquid gets in, it may stain your aligners.
Is Invisalign the right choice for you?
To determine whether they are the best choice for you, you need to visit a dentist who will lay out the right treatment plan for you.
