Perfect teeth are valued for more than just the cosmetic reasons--misaligned teeth can cause issues with how your upper and lower jaw fit together and cause problems ranging from trouble chewing to jaw pain. To correct these problems, an orthodontist can prescribe a treatment plan that usually includes braces. Braces can be used on the front and back of the teeth, and clear versions help make them less noticeable. Another less noticeable option is Invisalign, an alternative to braces that looks much like night guards that help prevent tooth grinding, but thinner and lighter.
Construction
Your orthodontist will first take a mold of your teeth, which will be analyzed by a computer. Then, a series of Invisalign appliances, called Aligners, will be made for you. Invisalign Aligners fit over your top and bottom teeth as a thin, clear plastic. There are no wires and nothing is attached to your teeth when you use Invisalign.
How They Work
Like braces, Invisalign puts gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into new places over time. Invisalign is meant to be worn at all times, except when you're eating or drinking, and so the length of treatment is about the same for Invisalign as it is for braces.
Who Can Use Them
Invisalign is generally prescribed for adults and sometimes for older teens who don't have any remaining baby teeth. To use Invisalign, your orthodontic issues should be minor to moderate, as headgear, elastics and other common orthodontic appliances can't be used in conjunction with Invisalign.
Care and Cleaning
Invisalign makes it easy to practice good oral hygiene, because the appliances can be removed for normal brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. The appliances need to be cleaned as well, and Invisalign sells a cleanser specifically for this purpose. Some people do use a mouthwash rinse or a soak in baking soda following by a gentle brushing to save on costs.
Considerations
Invisalign Aligners can be taken out at any time, so if you're likely to take them out at the first sign on pressure--or if you're likely to lose them when you take them out--you might prefer a more permanent treatment option. Users report a slightly higher cost to use Invisalign than traditional braces, and Invisalign may not be an option for everyone, though it should be covered by insurance in the same way traditional braces are. If you grind your teeth, you may tend to break your Aligners, though you'll prevent continued damage to your tooth enamel. Finally, while you won't be getting food stuck in the wires of your braces, you'll need to follow the same good oral hygiene practices that you would with traditional metal braces to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Tags: your teeth, braces Invisalign, good oral, good oral hygiene, Invisalign Aligners, less noticeable, oral hygiene