If you’re self-conscious about having a crooked smile, you’ve probably gotten used to hiding it. And while you might’ve considered getting braces, there’s also a good chance you’ve ultimately decided against them, as it can be even more difficult to hide the metal brackets and wires.
The stigma of having braces as a kid — when people usually get braces — can be a little easier to deal with than getting braces as an adult, when it can feel like you’re the only person you know who needs to get their smile fixed.
If you want to fix your smile, but want to do it a bit more discreetly, Invisalign® clear aligners can be a great alternative.
Options for a Straighter Smile
Crooked teeth can affect more than just your appearance and self-confidence. They can also affect your oral health, as plaque loves to hide between crooked, crowded teeth.
You owe it to yourself to straighten your smile.
BRACES
Traditional cosmetic braces are very effective for treating complex dental issues such as severe misalignments, bite problems, and overcrowding — especially in young patients. An orthodontist can make precise adjustments throughout the treatment, and your teeth will move smoothly and consistently until the treatment is complete.
Note: The metal brackets and wires can be noticeable and may affect your confidence. They can also cause discomfort and mouth irritation. It can take a considerable amount of effort to clean around them, as well.
INVISALIGN
A popular and innovative alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment involves the use of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear over your teeth. The aligners provide gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Not only are they more discreet than traditional braces, but they also produce considerably less mouth irritation and discomfort.
They’re also removable, which allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions and maintain proper oral hygiene by easily brushing and flossing your teeth. Invisalign also allows for digital, in-office monitoring, which helps your dentist ensure your treatment is progressing on schedule.
Note: While the aligners are removable, they still must be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day to ensure effective results. They also may not be suitable for complex orthodontic cases that require more extensive intervention.
OTHER CLEAR ALIGNERS
Products like Byte, ClearCorrect, Smileie, SureSmile, Strayt, and others utilize clear aligners similar to those used with Invisalign. You use an at-home kit to make impressions of your upper and lower teeth, then a remote team of dentists and orthodontists then assesses your case and designs a customized treatment plan using the aligners, which are shipped to you. Some (like Byte and Strayt) also require the use of a high-frequency vibration device to aid in the fit and effectiveness of your aligners.
While Byte and other clear aligners are discreet and comfortable, they are only helpful for mild to moderate smile problems, unlike Invisalign, which can help with more serious issues.
In addition, clear aligners are susceptible to staining and must be removed (and thoroughly cleaned) every time you eat or drink anything other than water. And since you must remove them, you must also remember to reinstall them in order to keep pace with the 22 hours you’re directed to wear them each day.
This responsibility — coupled with the fact that at-home aligner products require little to no remote monitoring by dental professionals — can easily delay or compromise the products’ effectiveness.
The Clear Choice
When factors like comfort, cosmetic appearance, alignment results, and access to personal care from a dental professional are considered, Invisalign custom-made aligners provide an unmatched option for straightening your smile.
Are you ready to take the first step toward the smile you deserve? Click here to make an appointment with Dr. Armstrong.
