Fix Your Smile and Boost Your Confidence with Invisalign

Let’s face it, who doesn’t want great looking teeth? But for various reasons, many people never really felt confident in their smiles. The effects can be socially and psychologically damaging, so why don’t more people seek treatment for their crooked smiles, unsightly gaps or crowding?

We can think of two reasons: Money and the fear of traditional braces.

For some, paying through the nose for perfect teeth is hard to come by. While for others, even though the end result is a beautiful smile, traditional wire braces bring their fair share of issues, irritation, limitations on your diet, how they look on you, and regular maintenance.

Well, there is an alternative teeth straightening option to traditional braces called Invisalign and the clinics under the Artius Dental Group offer it. Today, we’re going to explore the common questions about Invisalign and what you need to know before consulting a dentist.

So, what is Invisalign?

• A modern solution to straightening your teeth without the need for wires.
• Clear, smooth and durable plastic custom-molded into a set of near-invisible aligners.
• This set of aligners will snap into place over your teeth.
• Exchange your aligners for a new set every two weeks to straighten your teeth to their correct positions.

The first step to getting started is to make sure if Invisalign is right for you. In most cases, it will work just as well as traditional braces. Unless you require severe straightening or re-spacing which is when traditional braces may be recommended.

The member clinics under Artius Dental offer Invisalign consultations so be sure to check with your local member clinic. The experienced dentists will work with you to customise your Invisalign program. Invisalign also provides software with 3D Imaging Technology that lets you virtually preview how your smile will adjust to it over the course of the treatment.

This is a valuable incentive and shows what you can expect before making a commitment with Invisalign. Once you have decided, your dental professional will attach fixtures to your teeth that Invisalign clips into. A mold of your teeth will be made and Invisalign aligners are professionally fabricated for each stage of your treatment.

Does Invisalign affect my day to day activities?

We can safely say no, as the best part of Invisalign is that no one else needs to know you are straightening your teeth. You can wear it all of 22 hours a day, including while you sleep, and can be completed in as little as 20 weeks for many patients.

The only time you don’t wear it is when you’re eating and cleaning your teeth. Since you are removing them, you can continue eating what you want, with only a few exceptions. If you are a heavy coffee drinker or smoker, you will notice your Invisalign aligners yellow over time along with your teeth.

If you plan to go ahead with it, we recommend that you practise good normal dental care and limit your coffee and cigarette consumption whenever possible. You should plan for visits to your dentist every 4-6 weeks to review your progress. At the end of your treatment, your friends and family will only notice that your teeth are looking healthier and that you are more confident as a result.

Is Invisalign better than traditional braces?

We can’t convince you that it is as it depends on what is best for you. At this, you will need to consult with your dentist. However, that being said, Invisalign does offer several advantages over traditional braces.

• Invisalign is invisible: the number one advantage is that no one will see a mouth full of metal when you smile.
• Invisalign is comfortable: while it can cause mild discomfort at first, most patients find it more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
• Invisalign is removable: the fact that you can take it off for meals and dental care is another reason why people choose it over traditional braces.

However, there are a few reasons why traditional braces might be a better option:

• Traditional braces are affordable: Invisalign is typically more expensive compared to traditional braces. It means you should be ready to spend if you want a better smile.
• Some treatments require traditional braces: severe cases, like the overcrowding of teeth, may require traditional braces.
• Lifestyle choices: depending on your habits, you might not want to adjust how much coffee, smoking or red wine you consume. If so, then Invisalign may be less effective as the adhesive used to bond your aligners and the aligners themselves can get stained which removes a key benefit of Invisalign.

Are there any side effects with Invisalign?

Technically, no. The only discomfort you would feel is when you start wearing your aligners for the first time as they fit over your teeth like a cap. It is understandable that you will need some time to adjust. You may even find yourself subconsciously removing the aligners when you sleep! Eventually, you will get used to it and forget you’re wearing them at all.

In some cases, the fasteners attached to your teeth at the start of the treatment may cause prolonged irritation to your cheek or lips. This is quite common and most patients will adjust to it over time; however, if you are feeling pain, you can discuss options with your dentist and adjust accordingly.

Are you seeking a way to correct crooked or misaligned teeth without the hassle of traditional braces? Contact an Artius Dental member clinic today to change the way you smile and boost your confidence with Invisalign today!