Metal braces have been the primary treatment available to straighten teeth for many years, but there are now numerous other options. Because it is less intrusive and produces excellent outcomes, Invisalign treatment is growing in popularity. If you’re thinking about using Invisalign as an alternative to braces to straighten your teeth, this article will provide you with all the information you need.
Orthodontic Consultations
You don’t need to schedule as many dental sessions with Invisalign as you would with traditional braces because all the preparation is done ahead. After visiting an Invisalign doctor, a 3D image of your teeth is taken and sent to a lab which creates all of the custom retainers. You then receive multiple sets of retainers and are instructed on when to switch them out. This ensures that you do not need to take a lot of time off from school or work to visit your orthodontist frequently.
Treatment Period
Invisalign generally takes less time to complete treatment than traditional braces. The entire treatment process takes between 6 and 18 months, and you must wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 to 24 hours each day. Braces typically last between 16 and 18 months, however can last longer if the patient has complex problems.
Cost
From patient to patient, Invisalign costs might differ significantly. Treatment with Invisalign can cost anywhere from £1,595 and £7,000, depending on how complex the problem is. Speak with an Invisalign specialist to get the exact cost of the procedure for you.
Discomfort
Similar to traditional braces, Invisalign can cause discomfort while your teeth move. However, due to the metal brackets scraping against the inside of the cheek and tongue, braces frequently result in various mouth and gum issues like cuts and ulcers. You won’t experience any of these problems if you use Invisalign, which uses smooth plastic aligners.
Eating and Drinking
Patients should remove their aligners when eating or drinking; unlike braces, this allows you to carry on with your normal eating and drinking routine. There are several foods you should avoid or be careful with if you have braces. This includes hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods that must be bit into.
Brushing Teeth and Flossing
The routine is the same because you remove your aligners to clean and floss your teeth. The brackets and wire causes potential for food particles to become stuck, so brushing your teeth and flossing is more challenging with braces. With braces, you are advised to brush your teeth more frequently as the brackets can leave marks on your teeth if your teeth were stained during brace fitting. Because of this, orthodontics advise brushing straight after eating or consuming a non-clear beverage, which is not always simple to perform when you’re on the go.