When people hear “Invisalign,” their mind often goes to “clear aligners.” Since the concept of discreet orthodontic treatment was revolutionary when it debuted in the late 1990s, that’s not too surprising! However, there are several non-aesthetic benefits of Invisalign that are equally as noteworthy. To learn what they are, read on.
Benefit #1: Shorter Average Treatment Timelines
It’s not uncommon for patients with traditional braces to wear the metal brackets and wires for 24+ months. Fortunately, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12 to 18 months. Plus, there are some cases where minor misalignment can be addressed in as little as six!
Benefit #2: No Dietary Restrictions
In an effort to prevent orthodontic emergencies, like a broken bracket, patients with metal braces are encouraged to avoid certain foods, like popcorn, whole apples, raw nuts, and tortilla chips. Good news: Invisalign doesn’t require you to make any alterations to your diet! Since the trays are completely removable, you can take them out and enjoy all of your favorite foods as usual.
Benefit #3: Fewer Check-In Appointments
To straighten your teeth, traditional braces need to be adjusted about every four weeks. However, Invisalign check-ins happen every six weeks or so. If you’ve shown dedication to following your treatment guidelines, your dentist may space out your appointments even more as well!
Benefit #4: No Complicated Oral Hygiene Regimens
Unfortunately, brushing and flossing around metal brackets and wires can be quite a nuisance. In fact, some patients even have to buy special oral hygiene tools to be able to effectively clean their teeth. Don’t worry – the same cannot be said for Invisalign. All you need to do is remove your aligners and complete your oral hygiene routine like usual!
Note: you will need to brush and floss your teeth after each meal, so keep a travel-sized toothbrush and floss with you throughout your treatment.
Benefit #5: Comfortable Clear Aligners
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that each clear aligner is custom-made from high-quality, smooth plastic. As a result, you won’t have to worry about metal brackets or wires irritating the soft tissue in your mouth. Plus, if one of your trays does have a sharp edge, you can easily cover it with a piece of dental wax!
About the Practice
Glisten Dental is proud to help patients in Tulsa with routine checkups, essential restorative care, beautiful cosmetic dentistry, and everything in between. If you’re interested in Invisalign, then we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our talented, experienced, and passionate dentist, Dr. Lindsey Hammond. In addition to having more than 14 years of experience, she actively pursues advanced training each year and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. So, if you would like to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign, the treatment process, or life with clear aligners, visit our website or call (918) 254-8686.