In recent years, Invisalign has become a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth into the right position. One of the main reasons people choose Invisalign is because it is more comfortable than traditional braces.
Custom Fit
Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your mouth. When you first decide to get Invisalign, your dentist or orthodontist will take a digital scan or a mold of your teeth. This scan is used to create a series of aligners that fit your teeth perfectly. Because they are custom-made, the aligners fit snugly over your teeth without causing too much pressure. This means they are comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Smooth and Clear
Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, clear plastic. Unlike metal braces, which have brackets and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth, Invisalign aligners are smooth and don’t have any sharp edges. This reduces the chances of getting sores or cuts inside your mouth. The clear plastic also makes them nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them, which can boost your confidence.
Removable Aligners
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This means you can take them out when you eat, brush your teeth, or for special occasions. With traditional braces, food can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it hard to clean your teeth properly. With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners and eat whatever you want without worrying about damage or stuck food. You can also brush and floss your teeth normally, which helps maintain good oral hygiene.
Less Painful Adjustments
When you have traditional braces, you need to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments. These adjustments can be painful because the wires need to be tightened to move your teeth. With Invisalign, you change to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new set of aligners is slightly different and gradually moves your teeth into the desired position. While you might feel some pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, it is usually less painful than the adjustments with traditional braces.
Fewer Emergencies
Traditional braces can sometimes have emergencies, like a broken bracket or a poking wire, that require an extra trip to the orthodontist. With Invisalign, there are fewer chances of emergencies. The aligners are durable and designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. If you damage or lose an aligner, it’s easy to move on to the next one in the series or get a replacement from your dentist.
Fewer Appointments
With Invisalign, you generally have fewer exams than with traditional braces. You’ll still need to see your dentist to make sure your treatment is progressing as planned. But, these visits are usually less frequent and quicker. This means less time spent in the dental chair and more time for your daily activities.
Sports and Activities
If you play sports or participate in other physical activities, Invisalign can be more comfortable than traditional braces. Metal braces can cause injuries to your lips and cheeks during accidents. However, Invisalign aligners are smooth and less likely to cause injuries. You can also remove the aligners if needed, for example, when playing a wind instrument or during contact sports, to avoid any issues.