Invisalign, or invisible braces, have become exceedingly popular over the years due to them being practically invisible while still working to straighten teeth. At our office in NYC, Dr. Mishaan actually prefers them over traditional braces, and is an expert at using Invisalign to craft the perfect smile.
The beauty of Invisalign is that the aligners are made from flexible plastic which can be removed when eating and you will usually receive different aligners during the course of your treatment. This ensures that your teeth continue to straighten out and remain comfortable while wearing the braces.
There can be many benefits when choosing Invisalign over braces. If convenience, comfort and appearance are important to you, then this option might be for you!
What is the Difference in Appearance When Wearing Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces?
The main difference when it comes to Invisalign braces and traditional braces is the fact that nobody can even tell you are wearing them!
Metal braces contain things like buttons, bite ramps and brackets and although your teeth may look beautiful afterwards, a mouth full of metal can be exceptionally unsightly. With a practically invisible tray, your professionalism at work will not be jeopardized (not to mention if you are at social functions and parties as well).
Convenience of Aligners vs. Braces
Another element that makes Invisalign braces different from braces is that you can remove your trays. Braces are cemented onto the teeth and can only be taken off when treatment is complete. You also need to pay exceptional attention to cleaning your teeth every single day when wearing braces. With Invisalign aligners, you can take them right out when brushing your teeth and they are easy to disinfect or clean using the proper solution.
The invisible trays are immensely easy to maintain because you take them out when you eat or drink anything and with braces, components like buttons, bite ramps and brackets can break or become damaged and require you to make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. They can also get things like food or bacteria stuck in them and it can be difficult to remove. With aligners, the only maintenance is taking them out before eating and soaking them in warm water to clean them.
Average Treatment Time With Invisalign
Not only are the invisible trays more comfortable, removable and more convenient, but they can also straighten your teeth faster than mental braces. They can also fix and treat a wide variety of issues such as over or under bite, overcrowded teeth, cross bite, open bite or gap teeth.
The average time for Invisalign treatment is only around 6 to 18 months and they only need to be worn 22 hours a day. With traditional braces, the average time span is approximately two years!
Treatment with braces can not only take a long time but they can also be painful or awfully uncomfortable while Invisalign is reported to be a lot more pleasant feeling and if they are bothering you too much, you can always remove them and take them out.
How Does Invisalign Work?
These clear plastic aligners work by being custom fit to your teeth and they gradually shift your teeth because you wear each tray for 22 hours throughout the day.
When you first have a dental consultation, Dr. Mishaan will perform an examination to determine the overall condition of your teeth and gums. If the dentist concludes that you have periodontal disease or cavities, those issues will be taken care of first to ensure your teeth are healthy enough to be moved and shifted.
If Dr. Mishaan determines Invisalign to be the right option for you, you will then get impressions made and your personal trays will be made. It can take up to a year of treatment and wearing the aligners, but each case is different and length of time can vary on a case-by-case basis. Visits to get new trays are typically every 4 to 6 weeks.
In addition, Invisalign retainers will be recommended once you finish treatment. Although the retainers are not required, teeth can shift back to the original position if you do not wear them. Dr. Mishaan’s ability to craft the perfect smile using Invisalign is second to none, but it’s important that dentist and patient work together to ensure the best results!
It is our goal at Midtown Dental Group to help you look and feel your absolute best and our leading dentist, Dr. Mishaan, can determine exactly how to get you there with his experience and expertise. Contact our office today to schedule a free Invisalign consultation.