We all dream of having that perfect smile. A mouth full of straight, bright white teeth certainly ranks up there as one of the features that many people aspire to have. A person’s smile is often one of the first things that attract us to someone else, and the good news is that unlike other features on our face, we have a lot more control over enhancing the overall look of our smile than we do other facial aspects.
One of the best ways we can achieve a more beautiful smile is by having straighter teeth. However, many adults, and even some teens, do not want to have to suffer through years of metal braces on our teeth in order to achieve the results we want. Especially in adults, the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires that detract from our appearance may not be worth the outcome. Of course, we can remind ourselves that we are trading off a short-term negative for a long-term positive, but even so, many adults feel that the interim period where their teeth are covered by braces, usually expected on a teenager and not an adult, will detract too much from their professional, social and personal lives.
The good news is that there is an alternative to a mouth full of metal that can still achieve the results we desire – straight teeth. The answer is Invisalign. Invisalign is a system that includes a series of virtually invisible clear aligners that gently and gradually move teeth into a desired position. The aligners achieve the same results as metal braces but with less interference, embarrassment, discomfort and inconvenience.
How does the process work? It’s actually rather simple! A series of images are taken of your teeth in their current state. This may include actual photographs, x-rays and impressions. From these, a 3-D image of your teeth is created and then, using state-of-the-art technology, a dentist maps out a precise treatment plan designed to move your teeth from their current positioning to where they should be so that you have a straight and beautiful smile.
Once this process is complete, a series of completely customized aligners is created just for you. The aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible. Each set of clear aligners is designed to gently move teeth and is intended to be worn for approximately two weeks. At that time, the next set of aligners replaces the ones you are currently wearing to continue the process, and this process is repeated until you have completed wearing all of the aligners in the series.
The treatment period for most adults is typically around one year, although teens using the Invisalign system will generally wear the aligners for as long as they would metal braces. However, no matter how long the treatment time frame may be, during the process, the aligners are nearly indetectable, are comfortable to wear and can be removed when eating. Additionally, since the aligners can be easily removed, it is easy to keep both the aligners and your teeth clean, something that is sometimes a challenge with metal braces, which can trap food particles and can make it difficult to remove tartar, plaque and bacteria.
Another benefit with Invisalign is that it is a more convenient process than metal braces. After the initial visit, patients typically only need to visit their dentist or orthodontist ever six weeks or so, just for a quick check-in in order to monitor the progress of the treatment.
Virtually undetectable. Comfortable to wear. Convenient. Easy to clean. These are all good reasons to consider Invisalign if crooked teeth are keeping you from enjoying the smile of your dreams. Of course, the best benefit of all is that Invisalign is as effective at straightening your teeth as metal braces.
For more information about Invisalign, or to schedule a consultation with our Queens orthodontic specialists to discuss the Invisalign process, contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
