Misaligned teeth are an extremely common problem faced by both children and adults. Crooked teeth can be a cause of embarrassment, but they could present a more serious health problem if their crookedness prevents them from being cleaned properly. Teeth that are not cleaned correctly are likely to lead to bone and gum damage as a result of periodontal disease. This could ultimately lead to tooth loss requiring major dental treatment.
Responding to misaligned teeth
Traditionally, misaligned teeth have been treated using metal braces, and while this treatment can be highly effective, there are disadvantages with it. Notably, conventional braces can be:
- Painful to wear
- Embarrassing for adults
- Unattractive for everyone
In recent years, an alternative treatment has grown in popularity. Invisalign clear plastic trays can be fitted over the teeth to help them adjust to the correct position. Here are three reasons that you should think about using Invisalign instead of metal braces if your teeth are not correctly aligned.
Invisalign looks better
Fitting strips of metal across your teeth can seem an unattractive option and may even stop wearers wanting to smile. Invisalign plastic trays can not be easily seen. They don't require any obvious supports, and therefore, you can wear them and smile with confidence. Most people won't even realise that you are wearing them.
Invisalign feels better
Metal braces are intended to be a semi-permanent feature on the wearers' teeth. They are fitted by a professional dentist and can only be removed the same way. This can sometimes present problems for wearers. By contrast, Invisalign trays are intended to be removable for short periods of time if needed. Invisalign braces also lack the protrusions and sharp edges that sometimes occur on metal braces, helping to avoid painful scratches inside the mouth that braces can cause.
Invisalign offers a clearer outcome
When fitting metal braces, it isn't always clear what the outcome of the treatment will be. The dentist will try to use the braces to straighten your teeth, but the treatment will often be a process of trial and error as they experiment with the type of braces which will achieve the desired result. With Invisalign, the whole treatment is computerised and you will know from the start what the entire course of treatment will look like. You will understand what the final result will be and how long it will take to achieve that goal.
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