The average teen or adult is likely to have heard about Invisalign at some point in time. Most understand that it is an alternative to traditional metal braces that many of us are familiar with from our childhood. But what exactly is it about Invisalign that makes people excited and eager to pursue this treatment option? Below are five facts about this advanced technology.
- Invisalign is a precise and steady advancement of the teeth that corrects poor alignment. The process uses a series of clear tooth aligners, that resemble whitening trays, to gradually move your teeth into a better esthetic and functional position. It can correct crowding, gaps between the teeth, deep bites, and more.
- Invisalign is very comfortable, unlike traditional braces that can cause gum and tissue irritation from sharp wires and brackets. And the process for capturing the initial shape and position of your teeth is much simpler and more precise than in the past. We use a hand held wand to scan your teeth and take images that are then analyzed to map out the optimal treatment plan. It is no longer necessary to use trays and moulding material that often cause patients to gag.
- Invisalign is not disruptive to your normal, everyday routine. You can brush and floss your teeth with ease, which is not the case when traditional wires and brackets are in place.
- Invisalign doesn’t limit what you can eat and drink. Because you can take the aligners out when you eat, you don’t have to worry about food particles getting stuck as they would around metal brackets. And you can safely drink most beverages while leaving the aligners in your mouth.
- Invisalign, although it is an advanced form of treatment, is affordable and is sometimes covered at a rate of 50% by many insurance plans. And because tooth misalignment is known to lead to a host of problems, such as tooth wear, plaque buildup, jaw pain, chipped teeth, and gum disease, more insurance companies are starting to recognize that adults need orthodontic treatment too. Tooth misalignment can affect your overall health. So, it is essential that this coverage is available to children, teens and adults.
If you have any questions about the Invisalign process, please feel free to contact us.