Invisalign

Invisalign®: The Clear Alternative to Braces

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

The Advantages Over Braces

While the results may appear the same—a confident, beautiful smile—when you stop and actually compare Invisalign® to other teeth-straightening options, the advantages become quite apparent. Knowing the pros and cons of each option ahead of time will help you make a more confident decision.

Invisalign® Teen

Are you a parent considering braces for your child? Don’t worry! Invisalign® Teen is now available. Using a technology similar to that of adult Invisalign®, the teen aligners have a few added special features, which make them ideal for teenagers. They are a great alternative to conventional braces if suitable, because they’ve been designed with today’s teenage patients in mind. With our comfortable to wear Invisalign® aligners, your kids will speak clearly, eat their favorite foods and continue their active lifestyles.

Traditional Braces vs. Invisalign®

With regular braces, you may experience some or all of the following: pain, discomfort, mouth sores or injuries caused by the brace wires, tooth decay (from inadequate brushing and flossing), plaque buildup, tooth discoloration, tooth/bracket breakage or difficulty eating. And, as if that weren’t enough, there are also personal sacrifices you may have to make—like giving up popcorn, chips, bagels, hard-crusted bread, pizza crust, pretzels, nuts, certain candies…plus apples, carrots, corn on the cob, and more.

Veneers and Similar Treatments vs. Invisalign®

Many patients have asked about the benefits of veneers, compared to Invisalign®. While veneers are certainly an option for improving your smile, they only cover up certain dental imperfections, rather than correct them. This means that some existing periodontal problems could remain. Applied to the front side of the teeth only, veneers also require the removal of the surface enamel of each tooth—an irreversible procedure. Coffee, tea and red wine need to be avoided to prevent discoloration, and care must be taken to prevent chipping or breaking the veneer. So while the surface look of the teeth may improve with veneers, the underlying tooth and gum problems could still exist.

Of course, there’s always the option of not seeking treatment at all. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but keep in mind that, if left untreated, many orthodontic issues can often lead to more serious dental and health issues.