I Just Got Lumineers, Now What?
Congratulations on your new, fabulous Lumineers smile! However, once the procedure is done, many patients find themselves asking what they need to do next. This guide looks to answer all...
Getting braces as an adult might not be ideal. In fact, many adults choose not to treat their imperfect teeth because they don’t want to wear braces.
Adults are often embarrassed to have braces in both their professional and personal lives. Thankfully, modern orthodontics offers a way to effectively straighten your smile without unattractive and uncomfortable braces.
You’ve probably heard of Invisalign, but what you might not know is that this nearly invisible treatment option has even more benefits than just looking great. Find out why more adults are choosing to get Invisalign and finally getting their best smiles.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Traditional braces slowly move your teeth by using visible metal brackets that are cemented to each tooth. Wires run through each bracket and pull the teeth into alignment over time. This method is effective but unsightly, and the hardware can be uncomfortable.
Invisalign is a series of nearly invisible clear aligners that also move teeth into place over time. First, a digital image is made of the exact size, shape, and position of your teeth. Using this digital imprint, a series of custom-made aligners are fabricated, each of which gets you closer to your perfect smile by gently moving your teeth into place. You will switch to a new tray about every two weeks, on average.
Why Invisalign is Ideal for Adults?
Invisalign addresses many of the issues that cause adults to avoid braces. Clear aligners also offer some benefits you might not be aware of.
Invisibility
Metal braces are immediately noticeable, which is why many adults avoid correcting their teeth. Whether in your career or personal life, you may not want braces to be the first thing people notice when you smile.
Invisalign treatment is far more subtle. In fact, most people you meet throughout the day will not even notice you are wearing an aligner. The comfortable aligners fit teeth snugly, conforming to their natural shape. Because the aligners are completely transparent, they blend in with your smile.
Easier Cleaning
Invisalign trays are removable, whereas braces are attached to your teeth for the entirety of your treatment. This makes keeping braces clean a major challenge. With Invisalign, you simply pop out your aligners when it’s time to brush and floss. You easily clean your aligners each day and replace them with a fresh new set every couple of weeks.
Eat Anything
Braces come with a lot of food restrictions, but aligners have none. Anything hard, sticky, or that you bite directly into is banned with braces. But because your clear aligners are removable, you take them out to eat. Meaning absolutely no foods are off-limits!
Faster Results
Believe it or not, Invisalign treatment is often completed faster than braces. Invisalign will typically take between 8 and 16 months, with the average treatment time being 10-12 months. Dr. Hoffman will provide you with a treatment timeline, and if you follow your treatment guidelines diligently, you will reach your goal before you know it.
Fewer Appointments
Another benefit you might not have guessed is that Invisalign often requires fewer appointments than braces. Braces need to be adjusted and tightened so that they can continue to bring your teeth into alignment. Your provider must do this in the office.
Your series of Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are planned and custom-made before you place them. You can usually get several sets from your provider at a time and then come in for periodic checkups as you move along in your treatment timeline.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Not every patient is able to straighten with Invisalign. In order to learn whether your best option is aligners, you should schedule a consultation today. We look forward to helping you get your best possible smile!
