Invisalign for Adults
Did you know that 20 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults? While we think of orthodontic care as something you experience in your awkward teen years, more and more adults are turning to orthodontists for straighter teeth and healthier smiles. Whether you had braces as a kid and “lost” your retainer a little too often, or you simply waited until now to see an orthodontist, Invisalign for adults is a great alternative to traditional braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
Traditional braces involve metal or ceramic brackets, metal wires, and bands that are changed periodically to align a person’s teeth. On the other hand, Invisalign uses a series of clear, soft plastic aligners that fit over your teeth and apply precise pressure to move your teeth into place.
Undoubtedly, Invisalign aligners are far less noticeable than traditional braces. Instead of using brackets, wires, rubber bands, and chains to move your teeth, the clear aligners are barely noticeable to the casual observer. They are also more comfortable than having a mouth full of metal. Traditional brackets and wires can catch on your lips and cheeks, especially when they are first put on your teeth. While Invisalign aligners feel bulky when you begin your treatment, they will not shred the inside of your mouth.
Invisalign aligners are also removed for eating, eliminating dietary restrictions associated with traditional braces. Simply take the aligners off, eat or drink as you normally would, then brush and floss before replacing them.
Treatment with Invisalign aligners also requires fewer appointments than traditional braces. Where brackets and wires must be adjusted frequently, you receive a series of aligners all at once. Every two weeks, you replace your aligners with the next set, gently moving your teeth a little at a time. Periodically, you will visit our office to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
How Many Hours a Day Do I Need To Wear The Aligners?
Aligners are worn night and day. The only time you remove them is to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and certain juices without removing your aligners can cause unsightly stains so you should avoid this behavior. In total, you will wear aligners 22 hours or more in a day.
Why Get Invisalign as an Adult?
One of the most common reasons why adults do not receive orthodontic treatment is they think it is too late to have a straighter, healthier smile. The truth is, it is never too late. Invisalign takes the stigma out of straightening your teeth as an adult by replacing a mouth full of metal with barely noticeable aligners.
However, the long-term effects of Invisalign go beyond straighter teeth and added confidence to your smile. Over time, poor tooth alignment can cause uneven wear and tear on your teeth, jaw problems, and even headaches. Invisalign corrects alignment problems that lead to many of these conditions making it an investment in your health and not just an investment in your appearance.