Invisalign the Cure for the Common Bad Smile

With today’s world becoming increasingly technology-driven, modern advances are being made to nearly all facets of daily life. Dental care is certainly no exception. From flavored pastes, floss, and even gloves to state-of-the-art procedures and relaxation modalities, today’s dental patient has a number of options for comfort, ease, and well-being.

A new breakthrough in the world of braces is Invisalign. Do you want straight teeth but hate the look of traditional braces? If you are considering braces due to overcrowded or widely spaced teeth, a crossbite, an overbite, or an underbite then Invisalign may be for you.

Invisalign consists of a series of custom-made plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. Each set is worn two weeks, and a regular course of treatment lasts around one year. There is no cement, wire, or brackets. Invisalign is smooth, clear, and will not irritate your mouth. The aligners can be removed whenr you eat, drink, brush your teeth, or to attend a big social event. No one will notice you are wearing them and they are perfect for anyone who may need traditional braces. Invisalign not only straightens your teeth and gives you the smile you have always wanted, but the aligners also promote healthier gums, improve chewing and speech, and reduce stress to the teeth and jaw line.

Patients have reported that Invisalign is more convenient too: no food gets stuck in traditional brackets, no loose wires, and the aligners are so comfortable it seems like they are not wearing any at all. Over 500,000 people have seen the benefits of Invisalign. They are especially appealing to adults who need more dental treatment, and have worn traditional braces earlier in life.

A healthy, radiant smile is truly priceless! Invisalign is relatively equal to the cost of traditional braces. On average, Invisalign treatments begin at $3500.00. Many dental insurance companies cover orthodontia, which Invisalign may qualify as. In addition, many employers offer flexible spending accounts where pre-tax money is set aside to cover your healthcare needs. Of course, it is important to speak to your dentist as each patient’s dental needs vary and will determine final cost. A small price to pay for good health and straight teeth.

Traditional braces are made of special metal brackets which are affixed to your tooth using dental cement. These brackets often have protrusions which rub sensitive mouth tissues. An arch wire is fitted across the top of the brackets and held in place by a small rubber band. The arch wire is specially bent to reflect the way the teeth should look after treatment is completed. As the wire attempts to return to it’s original shape it places pressure on the bone, which in turn moves the tooth into the desired position.

Ceramic brackets are applied the same way only they are clear or ‘tooth’ colored and not as noticeable. The wire is not clear, however. These are generally more expensive than traditional metal brackets. Also, depending on the type of treatment required, ceramic brackets may not be used since they will not be able to withstand long term pressure.

Lingual braces are simply metal braces placed on the backside of the teeth. They tend to cause more mouth soreness, speech and tongue problems, and can cost more than traditional braces or Invisalign since the treatment is specialized.

With so many choices on the market, it may be hard to find what type of braces is right for you. Consult with a qualified dentist who is knowledgeable in modern dental care. They will be able to make recommendations based on the type of treatment you require.
There is nothing more important than a healthy and confident smile, no matter what age you are!