Often, patients visit our office looking for new ways to improve their smiles. We are proud to offer Invisalign clear aligners for our young patients in Chapel Hill, NC. As your trusted cosmetic dentist in Chapel Hill, we want to help our patients better understand Invisalign. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding Invisalign clear braces:
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear, plastic aligners that apply pressure to your teeth and gradually encourage them to shift into a straighter position. The aligners are made of a see-through material that allows patients to maintain their natural smile aesthetics throughout their treatment plan.
Additionally, the aligners are removable and should be removed whenever you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. You can even remove your Invisalign aligners for special occasions like weddings or job interviews. As long as you wear your aligners 20-22 hours out of every day, your treatment plan will not be affected and you will achieve a straighter smile.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
With traditional braces, metallic brackets and wires are secured to your teeth surfaces throughout the duration of your treatment. This means that throughout several months or even years, patients who straighten their smiles with traditional braces must adapt to the lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions that are necessary to ensure their treatment progression.
Invisalign helps patients avoid the major inconveniences that are associated with traditional braces. Their clear material makes it nearly impossible for anyone else to know that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you remove the aligner in front of them. Their removability helps patients be able to eat whatever they want while also maintaining their regular oral hygiene habits without worrying about brushing or flossing around brackets and wires.
Why should I straighten my smile?
A straighter smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also overall healthier. Crooked, misaligned teeth often cause a variety of dental concerns. Many patients with misaligned teeth can develop jaw pain over time, as their teeth are not able to work together properly when performing daily tasks like chewing or speaking. Additionally, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean.
They create unusual and hard-t0-reach areas in your mouth for bacteria and food residue to cling to. This is why patients with crooked teeth are at a higher risk for gum disease and other more advanced dental concerns.
Will Invisalign work for me?
Invisalign can help treat crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and gaps; however, there are some orthodontic concerns that might be too advanced for Invisalign treatment. To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we recommend scheduling an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Furgurson in our Chapel Hill dental office.
If Dr. Furgurson decides that you can benefit from the Invisalign system, we will create a plan to straighten your teeth. Treatment times are often shorter when compared to traditional metal braces. Please schedule an appointment today, and we look forward to seeing you soon.