10 Reasons Why Invisalign® is the Best Orthodontic Treatment
Reason #6: Less Dental Appointments
With Invisalign®, you spend more time living your life and less time sitting in the dentist’s chair. This is because treatment with Invisalign® allows for more flexibility by placing some of the responsibility in your hands. With traditional metal braces, regular appointments are needed so that the proper adjustments can be made. However, with Invisalign® your dentist will simply provide you with a few aligners at a time and instructions on when to switch them yourself. In most cases, you will wear a designated aligner for a week or two before progressing to the next aligner. This means that you will undergo fewer appointments during your treatment.
Reason #7: Faster Treatment
Not only will you have to attend fewer dental appointments, but your overall treatment length is shorter as well. The average time span of orthodontic treatment is about 24 months, however Invisalign® treatments lasts only about 12-18 months on average. This treatment length is contingent on you following the instructions and wearing your aligners for the correct amount of time each day.
Reason #8: Straight Teeth Are Healthier
Many people want their teeth straightened due to cosmetic concerns, however there are also many health benefits of straightening your teeth. One of the biggest health benefits is the simple fact that properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean. Overlapping or crooked teeth can give plaque and bacteria places to hide and accumulate, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. With straight teeth, the maximum amount of surface is exposed and thoroughly cleaned while brushing and flossing. This keeps your teeth cleaner and controls the amount of naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth. For more information about possible health benefits from Invisalign, see “The Many Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry”.
Reason #9: Aligners are Easy to Maintain
Something you will have to consider when deciding on orthodontic treatment is the maintenance. With Invisalign®, caring for your aligners is easy. Simply remove and rinse them before meals, store them in their plastic case when they’re not in your mouth, and be sure to brush them twice daily with your natural teeth. In fact, because the aligners can be removed, they require less maintenance than other types of orthodontic treatment.
Reason #10: Avoid Jaw Problems
Teeth that are properly aligned help to make your overall bite more even. Additionally, Invisalign® can correct bite problems such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, and open bites. This is highly important because having the correct bite prevents too much pressure being exerted on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If the joint is constantly stressed from a misaligned bite, then you can eventually develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which is extremely painful.
Overall, Invisalign® offers many advantages over other orthodontic methods. Patients everywhere have been pleased with its ease of treatment, discreetness, and ability to properly align their teeth. Now that you’ve read these 10 reasons, you can agree that Invisalign® truly is the best orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Gerard J. Lemongello Jr. graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice since 1987. His focus is on cosmetic and comprehensive restorative rehabilitative dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry, and is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.