Woman wearing invisible orthodontic trays
Do you find yourself hiding your smile from others because you’re self-conscious about your crooked teeth? Don’t worry – you’re in good company! After all, the vast majority of people simply weren’t “genetically blessed” with straight teeth. The good news, however, is that in the last 20 years, advances in dentistry mean that you no longer have only one option for fixing a crooked smile. If you’ve been thinking about braces but aren’t thrilled about the drawbacks involved in traditional orthodontic treatment, a local dentist discusses why Invisalign in Metairie might just be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Why Is Invisalign the Better Choice?
For teenagers and adults alike, Invisalign is a superior choice for multiple reasons:
- First and foremost, it’s a relief to have an invisible option to straighten your teeth that won’t impact your appearance whatsoever. You won’t have to worry about having braces for pictures, job interviews or first dates!
- From a health standpoint, you can do a much better job of keeping your teeth and gums healthy than you can in braces. People who wear brackets are susceptible to cavities and gum problems because they weren’t able to effectively clean around them.
- Also, Invisalign is an incredibly comfortable way to correct your smile. You won’t have sharp metal wires and rough brackets rubbing against your cheeks and gums, which can really make everyday life much easier during treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
While traditional braces rely on metal brackets and wires that are cemented onto the teeth, Invisalign works by using a series of clear trays called aligners. They’re similar to a night guard or athletic guard but are thinner and more comfortable.
Your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and you’ll return soon after to get your first set of aligners. Typically you’ll wear each set for 1-2 weeks.
During this time, the aligners will shift your teeth by just a small amount. Then you’ll wear a new set of aligners, and the process will repeat itself until your teeth are in their final position and your teeth have been straightened.
While you’re in treatment, it’s absolutely crucial that you wear your trays at all times, except when brushing and flossing or at mealtimes. If you find yourself taking them out at other times throughout the day, your treatment may take longer than anticipated.
In general, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces for many people. A great first step is to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Metairie where you can have a professional evaluate your teeth and answer any questions you may have.
With all of the benefits that go along with this treatment, it’s clear (no pun intended) that Invisalign is a superior choice!
About the Author
A Louisiana native and graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry, Dr. Nelson is passionate about both general and cosmetic dentistry. He has pursued extensive continuing education at the Spear Institute to hone his skills even further, and particularly loves helping his patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted without the hassle of traditional braces. He can be contacted with questions through his website or at (504) 887-3311.