Wondering Whether Invisalign Is For You? Check This Out!

 

If you want to straighten your teeth, you’ve no doubt come across Invisalign. It’s a system that uses a series of clear retainers to gradually shift your teeth to the desired position, doing away with the wires and posts of old braces. We love it at our dentist surgery in Edgbaston, Birmingham. It’s discreet, convenient, and surprisingly cost-effective. But is it for you? Check out the following.

 

What Alignment Issues Can Invisalign Solve?

 

Invisalign is a highly versatile orthodontic procedure that can resolve the majority of tooth alignment issues. Patients use Invisalign to correct the orientation of crooked teeth, reduce goofiness, correct under- or over-bite, and get rid of gaps between their teeth. The system solves tooth alignment problems with a series of retainers which map a path from where your teeth are today to where you want them to be in the future. At each stage in the treatment, you wear a slightly differently-shaped retainer until, eventually, your teeth move to their new location.

 

In general, Invisalign is for people with mild to moderate alignment issues. There may be circumstances, however, where it is not practical or reliable.

 

When Should You Use Traditional Braces?

 

While traditional braces have fallen out of fashion over recent years, there are certain situations in which they are superior to Invisalign. If we feel that you have substantial tooth alignment issues, we may recommend that you choose to use a full, wire brace. Wire braces are exceptionally good at addressing gaps between your teeth and are also suitable when you have malocclusions.

 

Invisalign is also not as potent at re-aligning the molar teeth at the back of your mouth. If you have molars which are out of position, we would suggest considering traditional wire braces instead.

 

What Kind Of Person Is Best Suited For Invisalign Treatment?

 

Orthodontists like fitting children and adolescents with wire braces. The reason for this is that not only are they effective, but the patient has no choice but to wear them. It’s not the same with Invisalign. The dentist has to rely on the patient wearing them for them to be effective.

 

Whether you should choose Invisalign or not, therefore, depends on your personality. If you’re a conscientious person who always follows instruction and likes to do things by the book, then Invisalign is for you. If you’re more of a free spirit, then you may benefit more from traditional braces.

 

Remember, while Invisalign is a state-of-the-art treatment for misaligned teeth, it still requires that you use it. Dentists recommend that you wear Invisalign aligners for between 20 and 22 hours per day, meaning that you’ll have to wear them while working, sleeping and socialising with friends. If you don’t, then the aligners can’t do their work, and you won’t get the straight teeth that you want. If you don’t feel that you can manage this, you might be better off with a traditional brace.