No matter what your age, the decision to wear braces in order to achieve properly aligned teeth is one that is not taken lightly. While advances in orthodontics such as the Invisalign system of clear plastic aligners has made it easier for adults to choose to straighten teeth that may not have been straightened at an earlier age, the aesthetic benefits, comfort and convenience is even making more and more teens interested in the option.
Invisalign clear braces achieve the same basic goal as traditional metal braces – they gently move teeth from their existing position into a more proper alignment. In the case of traditional braces, the process is achieved through a series of metal bands and brackets that are adhered to the tooth’s surface, where they can then support wires and rubber bands that are used to shift teeth as needed into the desired position. In contrast, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over teeth to move them into position gradually. Each aligner in the system is designed to be worn for approximately two weeks and once the period is completed, a new aligner in the series is then used to continue the alignment process.
It is natural to see why adults would choose this method of orthodontia over more traditional braces, since the clear aligners are virtually indistinguishable from the look of natural teeth. This makes adults much less self-conscious about wearing braces at a time in their lives where it is not as common an occurrence. Although it is seen as a rite of passage for teens to have a brace-filled smile, many teens and parents prefer the more aesthetically-pleasing look of Invisalign instead of metal braces, even if a mouth full of metal is considered to be the norm at this age.
Another reason why individuals of all ages are opting for the clear plastic alignment system is comfort. The aligners fit snugly over the teeth, much like a mouth guard, but there are no pointy wires or bulky brackets to contend with. This results in less cuts and sores in the mouth and makes it easier to adjust to having the braces in the mouth.
Convenience is another major factor in the decision to choose the clear aligners. Not only can the aligners be removed each day so that routine brushing and flossing can be completed with ease, but the aligners can also be removed when eating so there is less likelihood of breakage or of food getting stuck, and there are also no restrictions as to what kinds of foods can be eaten or should be avoided. Visits to the dentist or orthodontist are also less frequent and less time consuming, since all that is needed is a quick periodic check to make sure that the aligners are working as designed.
No matter what your age, the Invisalign clear alignment system is a popular choice to deliver the tooth-straightening abilities you need with improved aesthetics and added comfort and convenience as compared to traditional braces.
For more information about Invisalign, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
