In the past, people who needed teeth straightening were limited to metal braces. Although this solution was a right of passage for many adolescents, people who made it into adulthood with crooked smiles or dental alignment problems were reluctant to undergo corrective procedures for cosmetic reasons. Few adults want to receive unusual looks when they smile and reveal a mouthful of metal.
But things have changed. Nowadays, people of all ages have the opportunity to correct problems with dental alignment without the use of unsightly metal braces. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible compared to traditional braces, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
What should you know about Invisalign and how it looks?
Less Visibility, More Confidence
One of the most popular reasons people use Invisalign to straighten their teeth is for the device’s aesthetics. Invisalign aligner trays are made of clear plastic, which makes them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Wearing a tray allows you to maintain a natural smile while still correcting your alignment. The trays fit snugly over your teeth and are nearly undetectable from a distance. This makes Invisalign a great option for anyone self-conscious about metal braces.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Aesthetic Comparison
The difference between traditional metal braces and clear Invisalign trays is striking. As you likely know, traditional braces feature three components: brackets, wires, and rubber bands. There’s no way to hide that you’re wearing braces unless you plan not to smile or open your mouth for the months or years you wear them.
It’s understandable why this would make anyone self-conscious, but that’s especially true for adults. Braces are associated with adolescence and tend to catch people off-guard when an older person flashes a mouthful of metal.
Granted, traditional braces are effective. They address a variety of dental issues, and most people who had braces as teens are happy with their adult smiles. But if they made it through adolescence without braces and now have reasons for correcting their alignment, they might be reluctant to opt for braces, no matter how effective.
Enter Invisalign. Now, adults and teens have the option of getting the effects of braces without the unsightly metal smile. Invisalign uses clear, removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place. They are made to be transparent and are difficult to detect without looking closely at someone’s mouth. Your natural tooth color can be seen through the clear aligners, creating a natural smile.
Invisalign Enhances Your Social Life
It’s understandable why adults would be reluctant to get metal braces, even if they have a strong desire to correct their dental alignment. Wearing metal braces can make you feel anxious or self-conscious as a teen, let alone once you’re fully grown. Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth, enhance your smile, and improve your dental health without feeling uncomfortable with metal braces.
Comfort and Convenience in Appearance
The appearance of Invisalign isn’t its only appeal. Using transparent trays to straighten your teeth is more comfortable than wearing braces. Braces are made of metal, and as you might expect, this can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. It’s common for people to cut their lips or cheeks on their braces occasionally.
Because the trays are removable, they’re also more convenient. You can remove them to brush your teeth and eat food you must avoid when wearing braces. Your dentist will encourage you to wear your trays for most of each day (about 23 hours), but this still allows you to remove them for maintenance.
Invisalign also makes it easier to maintain dental hygiene. You can remove the tray to brush and floss your teeth normally. This is great news in the long term because it reduces the likelihood of decay in your natural teeth.
Other benefits of choosing Invisalign over braces include fewer dental visits and no dietary restrictions. You can eat what you want, and you only occasionally need to visit your dentist or orthodontist when wearing Invisalign.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign is a great option for most, but it won’t work for everyone. If you’d like to determine if Invisalign is the best solution for your specific needs, we can help. Call now to book a consultation.
