Most people would choose Invisalign over traditional braces based solely on its discrete looks. The clear aligning trays aren’t as noticeable as the other option’s brackets and wires. However, did you know that aligners have other advantages too?
Below is a summary of three subtler benefits of Invisalign compared to alternative treatments. Take them into consideration the next time you need to straighten your smile!
They Make Oral Care Easier
Traditional braces have complex parts to clean around, often requiring hygiene tools like interdental cleaners. Dental hygiene with them can thus become involved and time-consuming.
Meanwhile, you’ll notice firsthand that Invisalign lets you clean teeth more quickly than traditional braces. The aligning trays can be taken off when needed, so there’s no need for elaborate cleaning rituals. Just as you usually would, simply brush twice daily and floss once daily to make sure you clear out food particles and bacteria.
They Make Eating Easier
It can be hard to eat your favorite foods with regular braces. Softer products can get lodged between brackets, and crunchy ingredients can potentially break wires. Besides making cleanliness an even more significant challenge, certain meals can thus threaten to derail your treatment.
Thankfully, Invisalign doesn’t have this issue. Its trays are removable, allowing you to eat without worrying about orthodontic damage. Still, remember to re-insert the aligners once you’ve finished your food and cleaned your mouth. Forgetting to re-apply them can lengthen your treatment time, while re-inserting them without cleaning can lead to food stains.
They Don’t Need Periodic “Tightening”
When you get traditional braces, you periodically return to your orthodontist to have them adjusted and tightened. These “tightening” sessions — which can cause temporary soreness afterward — continue until the end of treatment, when the braces are finally removed.
Invisalign doesn’t have brackets, meaning it doesn’t straighten your teeth with such sessions. Instead, your dentist or orthodontist will change old aligning trays for new ones as time passes. As a result, they don’t need as many maintenance visits and usually fit quite comfortably on your teeth.
It’s terrific that Invisalign trays’ clear, see-through appearance makes them so popular. Even so, note the benefits above and remember that aligners can simplify other aspects of the teeth-straightening process too!
About the Practice
Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth is based in Long Beach, NY. Led by the titular Dr. Glen Shanock, their team provides comfortable and accommodating dental care. These patient-tailored treatments span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental services. The staff uses the latest dental technology to ensure you receive the best oral health outcome possible. For more information or to book an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (516)-431-5855.