More than 12 million people have chosen Invisalign clear aligners to help them perfect their smiles. Now, you’re weighing up whether or not this is the right orthodontic treatment for you, too or if Invisalign clear aligners are worth it. This article contains useful details about Invisalign in Adelaide!
There’s a lot to consider before deciding on this method of cosmetic or orthodontic dentistry. At the crux of your decision-making is the main question: are Invisalign clear aligners worth it?
We think it is – and here’s why.
Invisalign is Invisible
You have probably already heard that Invisalign is nearly invisible, but it’s worth mentioning. After all, for many patients, this is the key reason why they opt for Invisalign over traditional metal braces.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of thin, clear, BPA-free plastic, which means they are nearly undetectable to the eye when worn. As such, they are much more aesthetically pleasing, especially for adults who don’t want to feel like an adolescent in a set of metal wires and brackets.
Some Invisalign patients do need buttons (‘attachments’) to assist their aligners in really adhering to teeth to move them more effectively. These buttons will be matched to the colour of your teeth, so they should be less visible than metal braces. However, if you do need attachments, they will make your Invisalign easier to see.
Invisalign is Convenient
Another huge advantage of choosing Invisalign clear aligners is that it’s much more convenient than other traditional forms of orthodontic treatments. There is a long list of foods you can’t eat when you have braces, which spans from lollies to corn on the cob to chips.
If you have Invisalign clear aligners, though, you can eat whatever you want. That’s because you can slip your Invisalign aligners out before a meal and then pop it back into place after you eat (after a quick clean).
On top of that, Invisalign clear aligners make it much easier to keep your teeth clean throughout the teeth-straightening process. You can, of course, take them out to brush and floss your teeth. However, it’s much more challenging to keep braces — and the teeth beneath them — clean.
Invisalign Feels Better on Teeth
Having metal wires and brackets in your mouth doesn’t always feel good. They can hurt as they move teeth into position and may rub against the sides of your mouth, causing painful ulcers to develop.
Invisalign might cause a dull pain as it moves teeth gently into their proper position. However, Invisalign is so thin and smooth that it will not cause any abrasion like braces can. Your gums won’t be irritated by the aligners, either.
Invisalign is an Easy Procedure
There’s a reason why Invisalign is a popular treatment option for children, teenagers, and adults. It’s quite a simple process for you to follow, regardless of your age.
After an initial consultation — during which time your dentist will take digital scans of your teeth to create your custom aligners — you’ll only have to check in with them every two to four weeks to ensure the aligners are working as planned.
During orthodontic visits, metal braces will be adjusted and tightened, which can cause a lot of pain. Although, as we said, some Invisalign patients do experience pain, it’s not as acute as what braces patients feel.
So, when you have Invisalign clear aligners, all you have to do is check in every two to four weeks and wear your retainers for 22 hours a day. In return, you can get straighter teeth in less time and with fewer issues.
Invisalign Can Fix a Slew of Oral Issues
You might think that Invisalign only works in a few situations — perhaps it sounds too good to be true. But there’s a reason why the best dentists in Adelaide and beyond will recommend this option. It works for several of the most common oral issues, including:
- Underbite, meaning your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth
- Overbite, meaning your upper teeth protrude further than your lower teeth
- Crossbite, meaning that your upper and lower teeth don’t align
- Open bite, meaning your teeth don’t close all the way
- Crowded teeth, meaning there isn’t space for all of your teeth on your jawbone
- Gap teeth, meaning there are spaces between your teeth
- Crooked teeth
Invisalign clear aligners can also be used as a so-called Phase 1 treatment for children who still have some baby teeth. Using Invisalign early on will help these teeth get closer to their proper position, thus making later orthodontic treatments easier and less painful for your children later on in life.
Invisalign Works Quickly
You might have assumed that Invisalign works slowly. After all, how quickly can plastic aligners really move?
It turns out the average Invisalign patient wears their aligners for 6 to 18 months. However, some patients can see results in as little as seven weeks — we’ve seen it here at Adelaide Cosmetic Dentistry! It just depends on the complexity of the issue that the wearer wants to fix.
Throughout the time that you wear your aligners, remember that your teeth will be getting straighter. You will be able to enjoy their improved appearance, too, since your aligners are completely see-through. As such, your confidence will grow and grow throughout the year or so that you wear them.
Is Invisalign Worth It? We Think So!
Ultimately, only you can answer the question, “are Invisalign clear aligners worth it?” However, we think it is — and we’d be happy to help you decide if you agree.
Click here to contact us if you’re looking for a dentist in Adelaide to help you straighten your smile. We’re happy to tell you more about Invisalign and our other options for discreet cosmetic dentistry.