When weighing your options for orthodontic treatment, you’ll have to decide between going the traditional route with metal braces or opting for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is tempting for many people: being able to remove your aligners whenever you need to and not having to worry about people noticing them. Is Invisalign too good to be true? Or is Invisalign just one more proven method of correcting issues with your teeth?
What Is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment consists of clear plastic aligners, which are removable and custom-designed for your mouth. In order to get the best results from Invisalign, patients should follow these guidelines:
- Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours every day
- Aligners should only be removed when eating and drinking
- Clean your aligners daily
- Store your aligners in a clean, safe place when you’re not wearing them
When worn properly, patients who opt for Invisalign treatment achieve the same results as patients who choose traditional metal braces for their treatment. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if Invisalign is right for you.
The Benefits of Invisalign
The main benefit of the Invisalign system is that the aligners are clear and removable. With Invisalign, you don’t have to adhere to any of the diet restrictions of traditional metal braces. Invisalign patients can eat whatever they want. However, it’s still important to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene throughout the treatment.
Sometimes patients with traditional metal braces feel self-conscious about their new appearance with braces. One advantage of Invisalign is how discreet the plastic aligner trays are. The system is also perfect for active patients because they don’t have to worry about damaging their aligners during sports activities.
A major difference between traditional metal braces and Invisalign is the price. In some cases, Invisalign treatment is more expensive than braces, but it depends on how long your treatment plan is and the severity of your orthodontic issues.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign treatment does present some unique challenges. Some patients have a hard time not losing their aligners when they take them out of their mouths. An easy solution for this is to store your aligners in the same place (like a storage container) whenever they are not in your mouth. Placing them on your lunch tray or wrapping them in a napkin is risky because they can easily be thrown away.
Invisalign Has Many Benefits
Invisalign has many benefits, but it may not be right for you. Invisalign is not recommended for some patients who have very severe orthodontic issues. Make sure that you discuss your options and concerns with your orthodontist.
The team at Charleston Orthodontic Specialists is ready to discuss your options for treatment! Call (843) 4-BRACES to schedule a free exam at our Mount Pleasant orthodontist office or one of our other convenient Charleston locations.
