what is invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Posted by: Mark Oborn

Your smile is the first thing that people notice about you when they meet you for the first time. Crooked, chipped, or misaligned teeth not only ruin your facial esthetics but also have a negative effect on your personality. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that people who have a charming smile are often perceived as being friendlier and more intelligent than those who have a flawed smile.

Conventional metal braces are one of the best options for correcting tooth misalignment. However, many people avoid orthodontic treatment with braces owing to their conspicuous metallic appearance. Moreover, metal braces are not comfortable to wear and can cause hindrances during eating, speaking, and even brushing or flossing.

Invisalign is the Future of Orthodontics

If you have also been avoiding getting your teeth straightened because you do not wish to wear the metal braces, then you can benefit from Invisalign Clear Aligners. Invisalign is a contemporary orthodontic treatment system that is based on the use of removable aligners. These aligners are made from high-quality, transparent material, making them almost invisible when you wear them. Besides, the Invisalign aligners offer more comfort and convenience in comparison to conventional metal braces.

invisalign London

Is There A Way to Make Invisalign Cheaper?

The excellent aesthetics, comfort, and convenience of the Invisalign aligners come with a higher price tag! But fret not! If you are unable to afford treatment with Invisalign aligners, you can still get a set of perfectly aligned, beautiful teeth with Invisalign Lite!

Invisalign Lite braces work in the same way as the conventional Invisalign system. However, it has been designed specifically for individuals having minor to moderate orthodontic problems. The Invisalign Lite system that requires a lesser number of aligners, usually 10, making it more cost-effective than Invisalign. The requirement for a lesser number of aligners also significantly reduces the treatment time.   

Invisalign Versus Braces; Which Is Faster?

Conventional orthodontic braces are, by far, the most effective option for correcting tooth misalignment. This is because the braces can be used for correcting even those complex cases, such as a deep bite or a crossbite that cannot be fixed with Invisalign.

So, it all comes down to the complexity of the orthodontic problem. In case of mild to moderate issues, Invisalign and Invisalign Lite offer much faster treatment than metal braces, usually requiring 6-12 months for treatment completion – depending on patient compliance. On the other, braces typically require 12-24 months for treating moderate to complex orthodontic problems.

What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth with Invisalign?

Oral hygiene maintenance becomes even more critical when you are wearing braces or Invisalign aligners. Therefore, you must clean your aligners and brush your teeth before wearing them back after eating or drinking in anything. If you do not brush your teeth, all the food particles adhering to your teeth will remain “trapped” between your aligners, thereby increasing the risk of developing teeth cavities and periodontal problems.  

How to Clean Stained Invisalign?

Dentists recommend that you should never eat or drink anything – except water – while wearing your aligners. This is because doing so can cause your aligners to get stained. First, you can immerse your aligners in a solution of water and denture cleaner. You could also try using a half-strength vinegar solution, cut with water, to dissolve the stains on your aligners.

Another option is to visit your dentist for getting the aligners stains professionally removed. The dentist’s office will use special crystals that are quite effective in removing all kinds of stains on the removable aligners.

How to Stop Lisping with Invisalign?

A common problem associated with the initial use of Invisalign aligners is the distinct “lisp” while speaking. The good news is that this lisping effect is only temporary.

As your tongue gets used to the new appliance, this problem will go away within a few days, and you can speak clearly and comfortably. You can even wear them to any meeting, presentation, or conference, and you will not have any speech problems.

Taking Invisalign Out in Public

Worried that your Invisalign will be visible when you wear them in public? Don’t worry; the Invisalign aligners are made from a special transparent material so that they are not visible when you wear them in public. In fact, people will not be able to notice that your wearing aligners over your teeth!

Whether you’re going for an official appointment or a date, you can wear your aligners in public without having to worry about your smile or facial esthetics.

When it comes to correcting tooth misalignment, there are several options available such as metal braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Lite. The decision to use an orthodontic system that is best for you depends on various factors like your dental needs, the complexity of the case, and, most importantly, your budget. If you are unsure about which orthodontic system to choose, then it is best to consult your dentist in Chelsea for expert advice and guidance.

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