It is not unusual for people to get braces during their teenage years. Although metal braces are a classic orthodontic treatment, adults in Bend, Oregon are switching to Invisalign. With Invisalign, you can achieve the same results as braces, but with an appearance that is less noticeable. There are a number of reasons why an adult might choose Invisalign over braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear pliable plastic aligners that fit over the wearer’s teeth. Over time, the aligners apply pressure to slowly move the teeth to the correct position. Patients will have 22-30 individual aligners and each aligner is meant to be worn for 22 hours a day. The average time for treatment with Invisalign is around 12-18 months. The aligners are easily removed when eating and drinking and brushed for hygiene purposes. Other than that, most patients can expect the disadvantages of Invisalign to be minimal to none.
Why Adults Choose Invisalign Over Braces
No Metal
Having to wear metal braces as an adult can sometimes come off as embarrassing. Especially if you are susceptible to yellowing teeth, the practitioner will ask the patient to brush after every meal with braces. This can be inconvenient, but at the same time, it is embarrassing to have food stuck in your braces. Invisalign, on the other hand, is clear and less noticeable. It enables the wearer to maintain a normal appearance and smile without breaking the bank. With Invisalign, you will not have to worry about discolouration, meaning that you don’t have to take extra special precautions for your aligners when taking care of your oral hygiene.
Smooth Surfaces
Metal braces have many components, including wire and brackets. These pieces can cause some discomfort, especially if the wearer has an active job or works out. The metal pieces can rub against the insides of the mouth, causing calluses and even in severe cases, blisters. The aligners used in Invisalign have a smooth plastic surface, so patients don’t have to worry about soreness or cuts.
Designed for Comfort
With braces, there are some foods that you will have to avoid eating. Hard and sticky foods, like nuts and candy, can get caught in the metal components and cause damage. Other foods, such as popcicles and corn on the cob, can break brackets and wires. Invisalign allows patients to eat anything that they want with no restrictions. Even if you do plan on eating some sticky foods, you can easily remove the aligners and clean them after.
Good News for Athletes
Athletes are known for testing the limits of their bodies, which can lead to injuries. Wearing braces with physical activities, like biking, can be a hassle. The metal components can cause injuries to the inside of the mouth, as well as take longer to heal. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about damaging the aligners or getting injuries from the components. You can wear the aligners while playing a game, with no concern of getting injured.
Customizing Invisalign for Each Patient
Each patient that chooses Invisalign will receive a set of aligners that were specifically designed for their desired outcome. An orthodontic specialist will take impressions of the patient’s mouth and use those impressions to create 3D models. From the models, the technician can create the perfect set of aligner tracks that the patient will wear. These tracks have been specifically designed to move the teeth into the right positions. With braces, the patient’s mouth is ‘one-size-fits-all’, but with Invisalign, the design is tailored for each patient.
Conclusion
Adults in Bend, Oregon have found that Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment for their goals. The clear aligners offer better benefits than braces, such as no metal, easily removed for eating, no restrictions on sticky foods, and no injury concerns. Additionally, the treatment is tailored for each wearer, which means that they can expect the best possible result. If you are an adult living in Bend who is considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be the right choice for you.