What Is Invisalign
Dentist Portland, OR
 While the field of orthodontics has evolved to include more tools than ever to treat patient's needs, the study of jaw functionality and straightening of teeth has not changed. The focus of orthodontics is to correct jaw misalignment and straighten teeth to restore the oral cavity to optimum health and prolong the life of one's teeth. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for an evaluation before they reach the age of seven. This is not to say that treatment will begin at that age but more so that a treatment plan can be formulated for the future and any issues can be monitored on an ongoing basis.
The evaluation must occur before the eruption of the adult teeth. Once that happens, it can create a far more complex situation potentially requiring invasive and expensive procedures to correct. Even if the teeth have not fully erupted, the longer treatment takes to be the more intense it will be.
The good news is that while traditional braces still exist and are still widely used, they are not the same braces our parents wore. There are also numerous options available so there are alternative treatments to traditional braces. There are even clear alignment trays available that are removable to help with proper oral care. It can be a bit overwhelming with so many choices available. Which one is the right one for you? Why not come in to discuss it at our office Sylvan Heights Dental and find out the details.
Conventional Braces
The thought of wearing traditional braces to straighten the teeth used to be dreaded by many patients. The days of a mouthful of metal are gone. While yes, they still utilize the brackets and wires to shift the teeth into their appropriate positions. They remain the most widely used orthodontic solution.
Traditional metal braces can address any orthodontic concerns but are particularly good at correcting the most severe cases. These can include overbites, underbites, badly spaced teeth, as well as jaw alignment issues. They do sometimes scrape and rub the interior of the mouth and can cause discomfort after having them tightened. They also cannot target an individual tooth with pressure. The way they are designed, the wires put stress on all of the teeth at one time. It can be challenging to brush and floss while wearing them too, as getting in between the wires and brackets can be difficult.
Clear Aligners
Some people were skeptical of alignment trays when they first came out. No one understood how these trays could do the work that braces could, but they proved themselves successful. Clear aligners are popular because they are less obvious than braces and can be taken out to both eat and brush and floss. Each aligner tray is worn for two weeks at a time before being swapped out for the next tray.
What is Invisalign?
An excellent treatment option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, Invisalign is a relatively new concept. For most people, the idea of wearing braces immediately fills their head with visions of a mouth full of metal but that's not the case any longer. Certainly, conventional braces have their place in the treatment spectrum and are still utilized for more severe issues. The thought of having a mouth full of a corrective dental appliance is unappealing to many. For those patients in need of orthodontic care for tooth or jaw misalignment Invisalign could be the answer. It eliminates the mouth full of metalwork and wire.
Invisalign clear aligners are easier to manage than conventional braces because they do not provide an obstacle to proper flossing and brushing. There are no brackets or wires in place. Due to them being able to be removed at any time, there is no fear of having food stuck in brackets or wires either. It makes brushing and flossing so much easier too. Those patients who are weighing their options with regard to orthodontic treatment should learn more about this alternative. We will be glad to discuss Invisalign with you at our Sylvan Heights Dental office.
Invisalign Concept
One obvious benefit over conventional braces is the fact that there are no brackets glued to teeth and no wires to be careful of linking them all together. Gone are the days of discomfort from rubbing the inside of the cheek raw with the rough-edged brackets and wires. Gone are the days of worrying while playing sports that an injury might occur causing significant damage to the soft tissues of the mouth including the tongue, gums, and interior lining of the cheek. Also, eliminated are the adjustments that need to be made to tighten the braces which only succeed in making them more uncomfortable.
So, with those things gone, what is in their place? With Invisalign clear aligners, nothing is permanently secured to the teeth. There are no brackets or wires. Instead, Invisalign consists of clear alignment trays which are used to apply gentle pressure to only the teeth in need of repositioning.
Is Invisalign the Right Choice?
The trays used in Invisalign are made to precise measurements of the patient's mouth. They will fit inside the oral cavity perfectly. There is no adjustment period or need for reshaping. This means there is no rubbing the cheeks or gums raw either.
The trays should be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours every day. Abiding by this recommendation will help patients meet their treatment goals much quicker. One benefit that most patients are unaware of is that Invisalign can apply pressure to an individual tooth. This means that not all teeth are being pressured, unlike traditional braces, making the process quicker and less painful.
Contact Us
How incredible is it that there is an option that eliminates all of the negative aspects of traditional braces? For those patients in search of orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate conditions, Invisalign could very easily be the answer. Patients should come in to see us and find out all of the information before making a decision. Contact us if you have more Invisalign FAQ's. We are located at Sylvan Heights Dental and can be reached at this number (503) 297-1471.
|
