Misaligned, crooked, and chipped teeth not only ruin one’s smile and personality, but they also make it difficult to speak and eat normally. Therefore, straightening of misaligned teeth is not just necessary for aesthetic purposes but also to achieve optimal dental function. If you are thinking about getting your teeth straightened, the Invisalign aligners are an excellent option. Being a relatively new orthodontic treatment option compared to the traditional braces, people often have many questions regarding the Invisalign aligners. The purpose of this article is to answer the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign aligners, to help you decide on an orthodontic treatment option that is best for your dental needs.
Invisalign Pros And Cons For Older Adults?
Nowadays, many older adults are taking an interest in getting their teeth straightened. Statistics from the British Orthodontic Society have shown a 75% increase in private adult patients seeking to straighten their teeth. If you are considering Invisalign aligners for adult orthodontic treatment, here are some Invisalign pros and cons for you, according to the British Lingual Orthodontic Society (BLOS):
Pros of Adult Invisalign Aligners
- Virtually invisible
- Can be removed for eating
- Oral hygiene measures can be performed easily compared with traditional and lingual braces.
- Comfortable to wear
Cons of Adult Invisalign Aligners
- Some discomfort during initial use
- Need to wear them for at least 22 hours
- Aligners can discolour if you eat or drink with them in
- Lisping and minor speech problems during initial use
Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?
When it comes to straightening misaligned teeth, you have several options to choose from – each having its own merits and demerits. If we compare the conventional braces and Invisalign regarding their conspicuousness and effect on one’s facial aesthetics, then Invisalign aligners are superior to metal braces. Similarly, when oral hygiene maintenance and diet is concerned, then the Invisalign aligners being removable are more convenient than the braces. On the other hand, if we consider the range of cases that can be treated, then the traditional braces can fix a wider variety of orthodontic problems.
What Can Invisalign Not Fix?
Today Invisalign aligners can be used to treat virtually all orthodontic problems. The Invisalign aligners are generally used for treating mild to moderate issues that do not involve bite correction. Although orthodontists can fix bite problems with Invisalign by using special attachments, they may not be suitable to treat complex or complicated issues. In complex cases involving a bite such as an open bite, under bite, or crossbite, the traditional metal or lingual braces may be a more suitable option.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The amount of time required to fix an orthodontic problem depends on various factors, such as the type of the problem, its severity and patient compliance. However, according to the manufacturers of the Invisalign aligners, mild to moderate orthodontic problems can be fixed in 12 to 18 months. Generally, the more complex an orthodontic problem is, the longer the treatment will be.
Patient compliance is essential when it comes to orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners. Invisalign users are asked to wear their aligner trays for at least 22 hours each day for best results. If the aligners are not worn regularly or worn for shorter durations, the treatment progress will slow down.
How Long Does Invisalign Take To Close A Gap?
Invisalign aligners are an excellent option for closing excessive gaps between teeth, also known as diastema. For small gaps, 6 to 8t weeks may be sufficient. However, in the case of larger gaps, you may start to see a visible reduction in your teeth gaps within the first three months of wearing your aligners, while it may take up to 6 months before the treatment is completed. Your orthodontist can guide you better regarding the expected duration of your treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take If You Already Had Braces?
If you have already had braces, then it is unlikely that you may have severe tooth alignment problems later in life. Typically, Invisalign aligners are used to fix mild or minor orthodontic recurring problems following treatment with braces, like minor spaces or mild cases of crowding. In that case, it may not take very long – anywhere between four to six months – depending on the extent of tooth misalignment.
Do Metal Braces Work Faster Than Invisalign?
Various factors determine the speed of your treatment, including the orthodontic system, the skills and experience of the orthodontist, the severity of the problem, and patient compliance. While mild to moderate concerns can be fixed with braces or Invisalign within 4-6 months, moderate problems may take between 12 months to 24 months, while highly complex issues may take up to 36 months. It is best to consult your orthodontist regarding the expected duration of your treatment, as they may offer you other alternatives that can fix tooth misalignment in a lesser amount of time.
Still not sure whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for you?
Let our experienced and qualified Specialist Orthodontist at Ely Smiles help you make the right decision. We will give you an honest opinion that is best for your aesthetic and oral health needs. No matter how old you are, we can fix your teeth! So, book a free e-consultation with us today and let our team of experts choose the most suitable orthodontic treatment option for you that not only improves your oral health but also gives you a healthy, beautiful and smile that you can genuinely be proud of. If you also looking for Invisalign offers in Cambridge web page dedicated just to you.
