When people are embarrassed by their crowded or crooked teeth, their first option is getting braces. However, because the number of children and adults needing teeth straightening escalates daily, there is an alternative to braces-Invisalign.
What is Invisalign
This is a transparent set of plastic aligners fitted inside your mouth to align teeth into their proper position. After they have been fixed, the aligners should be monitored and replaced after the first couple of months. Because of their clear nature and consequent invisibility, many people prefer them over traditional braces.
As is with all treatment options, there are advantages and setbacks associated with the use of Invisalign in Pearland. Before getting Invisalign aligners fitted near you, make sure you talk to your orthodontist and understand each one of them.
The Pros of Invisible Aligners
Let us have a look at the advantages of Invisalign use in Pasadena over traditional metallic braces.
- Comfort
If you have used Invisalign after using braces, you will agree that the former is way more physically comfortable. This can be attributed to the absence of wires or brackets. The worry over painful nicks and cuts in your mouth is therefore eliminated. Invisalign aligners are smooth and do not irritate the mouth. They resemble a mouthguard and are characterized by the absence of sharp edges.
- Aesthetics
You are already aware of the transparent nature of these aligners. This works to the advantage of the user because they will have a more attractive appearance. Besides, it will be hard for people to notice them. Resultantly, you don’t have to be overlyconscious of your smile.
- Convenience
Most people find the aligners more suitable as compared to metal braces. No one wants to have visible metal strings in their mouth, and people will do anything to avoid that. For this reason, aligners are more convenient,not mentioning their abundance.
- Temporary
Their temporal nature makes it easy to remove while brushing, flossing, or eating. This is not possible in the case of braces. Not only do the aligners help straighten your teeth, but they also allow you to eat anything you want to while practicing optimal oral hygiene, thus lowering risks of suffering from gum disease. Unlike when using traditional races, there is no worrying about stuck food particles.
- Low maintenance
Minimal maintenance is required when caring for your aligners. Even though they may become dull over time, freshening them is possible. You can do this by scrubbing them using a toothbrush that has been dipped in a mixture of water and bleach. This will help alleviate the stains.
The Cons
Using Invisalign may seem like pure bliss, but there are some disadvantages associated with it. Here are some of them:
Expensive
Invisible aligners are costly, and some dental insurance companiesdo not cover them. These aligners may prove challenging to acquire if you are operating on a tight budget. However, they make up for this by being highly durable.
Attachments
This is another hitch associated with Invisalign. A lot of attachments are needed to accompany the aligners. Usually, the accessories are enamel ridges sticking to the teeth in the same way brackets on standard braces do.
They play the role of clicking into the Invisalign to ensure a proper fit and more effective alignment. Also, they accentuate the Invisalign, making it look like you have actual braces on.
Long hours of Wearing
The minimum number of hours you should wear the aligners is 22 hours. This can be quite tedious and uncomfortable, especially if you are a first-timer. Typically, you can only remove them while brushing, flossing, or eating. If you aren’t doing any of these, they stay on. You will, however, get used to wearing them with time. And of course, the few times you get to remove them will be better than braces, which stay on always.
How to Take Care of Your Invisible Aligners?
Without proper care and maintenance, the aligners can develop an odor, discolor,or build up bacteria and plaque deposits that can erode your teeth enamel. Thankfully, there are simple do’s and don’ts when using these aligners:
Do’s
- Every time you take them out, thoroughly rinse them to eliminate food particles, saliva, and bacteria.
- Soak the aligners regularly in the cleaning crystals that are offered.
- To prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque beneath the aligners, proper care for your teeth is vital.
Don’t’
- Consume foods or drinks that can stain the aligners and leave a bad smell
- Use toothpaste on the aligners as it can damage them