Many people associate orthodontic treatment with children and teens, but a growing number of adults, some 1.91 million, get orthodontic treatment each year. If you aren’t familiar with newer techniques, like Invisalign®, you might assume you’ll have to wear metal braces with brackets, wires, and rubber bands, but that’s no longer the case.
At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our experienced team offers orthodontic treatment with Invisalign to people of all ages. Read on to discover why Invisalign is so popular and how it can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Invisalign offers a discreet yet effective alternative to traditional braces. Let’s take a closer look at some of its benefits:
Instead of using metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands to straighten your teeth, Invisalign relies on a series of clear, removable aligners.
Many people wear two aligners at a time: one for their upper teeth and one for their lower teeth. Invisalign aligners are made from a durable thermoplastic called SmartTrack. The material is tough and applies direct, consistent pressure to your teeth to support proper alignment.
Each aligner is 3D printed and designed to match the unique shape and structure of your bite. Since the aligners are see-through, they blend in with your smile. That means you can meet up with friends or give a presentation at work and leave them in.
It’s important to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours daily for optimal results, but you don’t have to leave them in permanently. You can remove them anytime to eat, drink, or attend a special event, like a wedding. Because the aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth, you can even eat foods that people with metal braces can’t, such as popcorn and chewy candy.
The fact that Invisalign aligners are removable also makes it easier to keep your teeth clean. You can easily brush and floss without needing special equipment like a floss threader or water flosser.
Many people with metal braces complain about having swollen gums or cutting their cheeks and tongue. Invisalign aligners differ in that they fit snugly over your teeth, like a mouthguard. They’re smooth and don’t have any sharp edges, so you can wear them without worrying, even if you play sports or work a physically demanding job.
Beyond that, Invisalign aligners move your teeth gradually, so they’re less likely to cause pain or pressure compared to metal braces. This makes them a great option for people with sensitive teeth and gums or low pain tolerance.
Metal braces can take anywhere from 18 months to 2 years to achieve results, but getting there is often unpredictable.
Invisalign takes some of the guesswork out of treatment, because it requires you to change into a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Each aligner change is baked into your personalized treatment plan and occurs on a set schedule. This means that as long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, you can feel confident you’ll finish in the desired time frame.
Invisalign can also effectively treat almost any alignment issue, including:
If you’re unhappy with the position or alignment of your teeth or bite, consider Invisalign treatment. After discussing your goals and completing a dental exam and X-rays, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.
To see if you’re a candidate, contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call our office or message us to schedule your visit.
