When you have crooked teeth, you want to make sure you choose the best solution to straighten them. Invisalign is one of the most popular methods out there to get a straighter smile. Dr. Joyce Kim of Loyalsock Dental Associates, a dentist in Williamsport, PA, explains the benefits of Invisalign and why people consistently choose it.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses customized clear plastic aligners instead of traditional brackets and wires to slowly move your teeth into place. The plastic used is designed to be thin and comfortable, but durable enough to withstand everyday wear. Treatment with Invisalign usually takes around a year or so, with patients changing the aligners about once every two weeks.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign carries many benefits compared to more traditional methods of treating crooked teeth. First, clear aligners are much more discreet than metal brackets and wires. They’re created to be perfectly form-fitting to your teeth, and it can be hard to tell you’re even wearing anything unless someone is really looking for it.
You’re also able to eat all of your favorite foods with Invisalign. Certain foods can break or get stuck in the wires and brackets of traditional braces, but you don’t have that problem with clear aligners. Though you still have to wear them around 22 hours a day, you’re able to take them out to eat. This means you don’t have to remove anything you love from your diet.
Being able to remove the aligners is ideal for your oral health, too. You can take them out and clean them and your teeth individually to make sure they’re getting the cleaning they need. With braces, you have to learn how to brush and floss properly around the brackets and wires. If you aren’t successful, you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay and other problems in the nooks and crannies.
Lastly, the material the clear aligners are made of is ideal to stay comfortable in your mouth. Your soft tissue and gums aren’t irritated by the material. It also doesn’t cut into the inside of your lips and cheeks as brackets and wires can. Wax is often needed to prevent the braces from digging into the soft tissue in your mouth.
Invisalign at Your Williamsport, Pennsylvania Dentist
To get Invisalign, you’ll first have a consultation with Dr. Kim. A full evaluation is done to make sure Invisalign is right for you. It’s ideal for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but if you have severe ones, you may be referred to a local orthodontist. If you’re a good fit, we have the technology to take digital impressions of your teeth. These are sent to a specialized lab, where they’ll make your custom aligners.
We’ll go over everything with you so you’re confident in using your aligners. We’ll check in with you periodically to ensure your treatment is on track. You usually see finalized results in about 12-15 months.
Do you think Invisalign is ideal to help straighten your teeth? Call us or schedule an appointment online.