As much as it stinks to get braces as a teenager – no more candy! – orthodontics become even more complicated when you’re an adult. Adults have to deal with the same issues as teenagers, like bread getting stuck everywhere after you take a bite of a sandwich, but there’s also additional inconvenience and self-consciousness for people with careers. At least when you’re still in school, there are other kids in class who are suffering through metal wires at the same time! And although about 20% of people with braces are adults, it can feel like you’re the only one.
Luckily, Invisalign just might be able to save the day! Invisalign is a less visible and less painful alternative to metal braces. People of all ages have teeth alignment problems that need addressed, so it’s nice to have an option that won’t interfere with a professional lifestyle. Plus, you can remove Invisalign when you eat, which means you can still enjoy those BLTs for lunch.
What Does Invisalign Look Like?
Invisalign straightens teeth with clear aligners that look like the plastic trays you’ve probably used to whiten your teeth. There are no brackets and no wires, which makes Invisalign less noticeable than even clear brackets. Usually, it does take a few days to get used to talking with the aligners in, but nobody will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them.
In addition to being less noticeable than metal braces, Invisalign also allows you to continue your normal oral hygiene routines. You simply pop out the trays, brush and floss like you always have, and then pop the trays back in. That’s how eating with Invisalign works as well, which is why there aren’t really any food restrictions. Just make sure you remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign treatment process consists of different aligners that are custom-made for your mouth. You know the ones that you pop in and out when you eat? You wear each set for about a week and then switch to the next set. Each set is engineered to shift your teeth, gradually, until you achieve proper alignment and that wonderful new smile. This process generally takes 6 to 12 months to complete.
Also, the lifestyle benefits of Invisalign for adults go beyond appearance. We all know how difficult it can be to schedule dentist appointments twice a year, let alone once a month. But since Invisalign aligners are custom-made ahead of time, you’ll have fewer appointments to schedule. Another perk of Invisalign is that often times it can cost less than traditional braces.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
It’s never too late to get Invisalign. One or two years might seem like a long time, but the treatment process will be complete before you know it and your new smile will last for far longer. That said, Invisalign can’t fix everything. While it can treat most orthodontic conditions, extreme conditions might require specialized braces.
If you want to know if Invisalign is the perfect fit for you, come talk to Dr. Blaine McLaughlin and the team at Dental Touch Associates in Cedar Rapids.