Thinking About Wearing Invisalign Braces? Here's What You'll Want To Know
Posted on: 10 November 2016
Just because you missed out on wearing braces during your youth doesn't mean you've completely missed the chance to create a beautiful smile. A growing number of adults are now turning to braces as a way to achieve the perfect smile. Invisalign offers a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, especially for those who may feel self-conscious about wearing the latter.
Find out about the benefits and drawbacks of wearing Invisalign braces when compared to traditional braces by reading below. You'll also find a few helpful tips you can use in your quest towards the perfect smile.
Invisalign Benefits
The biggest and most talked about benefit of wearing Invisalign is what others don't notice — that you're wearing your Invisalign braces. These braces are completely clear, making them almost invisible to others. It's a great advantage if you're feeling self-conscious about wearing braces.
Traditional metal braces can sometimes cause irritation to the cheeks and gums, resulting in constant discomfort to the wearer. The unique retainer-like design of Invisalign braces means that you won't suffer any of the irritation you'd feel if you were wearing ordinary braces.
Invisalign's retainer-like design also makes it easy to remove whenever needed. So if you're at dinner, you won't have to worry about food particles getting stuck in your braces. This also makes the Invisalign braces themselves easier to clean.
Invisalign Drawbacks
As with any dental solution, there are a few drawbacks to consider before wearing Invisalign braces. For starters, Invisalign braces usually cost more than their traditional metal counterparts. The cost of treatment usually ranges between $3,500 and $8,000, whereas traditional braces cost between $2,500 and $6,000.
Using Invisalign braces can be an exercise in patience and discipline for many wearers. For the best results, you'll need to wear your clear braces for 20 to 22 hours a day for 12 months or however long your dentist recommends. The only time you'll be able to take them out is during meals or when brushing and flossing.
Just as you'll need to visit your dentist to have traditional braces adjusted, you'll also need to swap dental trays to accommodate the repositioning of your teeth. Whereas metal brace adjustments are usually done on a monthly basis, you'll wind up swapping trays every two weeks.
Tips to Remember
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you wear your Invisalign braces:
- Leave your Invisalign braces in as much as possible for the first 48 hours. During this time, your teeth will begin shifting towards their new positions, so you'll need to leave your trays in as your teeth settle.
- Steer clear of stain-inducing foods and drinks, including red wine, coffee, and tea.
- Never use toothpaste to clean your Invisalign trays. Toothpaste contains harsh abrasives that can yellow your clear trays. Instead, use mild detergent to keep your trays clean.
For more information, contact local professionals like Beck Pearce Dental.
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