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Kids and adults alike often are treated with dental braces to correct misaligned teeth. The options for such treatment have increased dramatically in recent years, including some that avoid the uncomfortable metal braces common in the past. One such recent development is the Invisalign dental aligner. It is a plastic device that sits inside the mouth to reposition the teeth. As it has no metal parts, people with allergies to metals and alloys including stainless steel, nickel, and chromium may find this a major advantage. While it is not suitable for all tooth alignment problems, it is suitable for many patients. Invisalign has distinct advantages in the areas of comfort and appearance over conventional braces. Its removable design ensures that dental hygiene will not be impeded. As braces typically are worn for a year or more and often interfere with flossing and other dental care, this is a major advantage. After all, who wants to spend thousand of dollars on braces only to get cavities as a result?

Invisalign – A Seamless Fit For Your Lifestyle and Your Teeth

Conventional vs. Invisalign braces

The Invisalign dental aligner is one of the newest and most innovative products on the dental market today. The Invisalign aligner is essentially a plastic retainer that is shaped to guide the movement of one’s teeth into the correct position. Many patients today are now opting for Invisalign instead of metal braces, which have been common in the past.

The Invisalign treatment is the same as metal braces, in that it slowly, over time, aligns the teeth into their desired positions. Patients will receive more than one Invisalign aligner in this process so that the teeth are moved in stages. This allows for the best success in tooth alignment.

Conventional metal braces

The main difference between the Invisalign aligner and metal braces is that metal braces are not removable. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, dentists encourage patients to remove the aligner when the patient is eating and drinking. This is very convenient for the patient, since they are able to take them out as they please during these activities. Patients are also highly encouraged to remove them often for brushing and flossing. Since the Invisalign aligner does not require tightening or adjustment once it is molded, this makes it more convenient in terms of recurring appointments. With braces, one must return to the dentist or orthodontist quite office often for tightening and inspection.

The Invisalign aligner is also a seamless fit into one’s lifestyle without having the awkward look of metal braces. People may choose the Invisalign procedure simply for cosmetic reasons. Many patients who have had metal braces in the past, and have now had some time without braces, may see some slight shifting in their teeth. This may be a good opportunity to try Invisalign and help guide the teeth back into place.

The success of the Invisalign aligners depends on the patient’s commitment to wear them for approximately 20-22 hours a day, while braces are permanently adhered to the teeth until removed by one’s orthodontist. Some may find this aspect of the aligners to be challenging.

Plastic Safety

Invisalign braces and carrying case

Some people also have concerns over whether or not having plastic in one’s mouth is healthy. In fact, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and they do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). They are made with USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight polyurethane resins, which are safe for the body and will withstand wear from teeth while being used in the treatment. There are only a few people who have ever had an allergic reaction to this type of plastic; however, there is a small percentage that has had side effects. The greater majority of patients have had no issues with these materials and the aligners are thus deemed safe.

Invisalign Providers Require Special Training

3-D imaging and several moulds may need to be done to determine the path of tooth movement in one’s mouth. This is a very custom treatment and is only done by specially trained doctors that can offer the Invisalign service. These Premiere Providers must take a test and fulfill a certain amount of training time each year to be able to provide the service again the following year.

Invisalign may not be right for someone who has a turned tooth, or rotated in some way. Metal braces are usually a better procedure to handle this, however, it is best to consult with one’s dentist to see if it is the right fit for this kind of situation. Talk with your dentist and see if Invisalign aligners are the best way to align your teeth.

If you have a history of allergic reactions to special plastics, let them know, and they will advise the best course to take for your particular needs. Each mouth is different.

Picking An Invisalign Provider

Check your local listings on Yelp and Google for the best rated Invisalign providers. For example, in San Diego, Invisalign services are very competitive and it is easy to find many dentists online with great ratings, special offers, and financing. Two examples are Complete Dental Health and New Image Dental, both prominent dentists in San Diego. They have ratings on Yelp, Google, and other local platforms so you can see what others have found important for each business. Reading the specific comments for each business will help determine if that dentist is right for you.

About the Author: Sonya Sparks is a writer specializing in local business trends and currently resides in San Diego, California.

Further Reading

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