When given the choice between wearing a mouthful of semi-permanent metal, and a nearly invisible, removal dental appliance, the decision seems simple, especially for adult patients. Full-metal dental braces may be a middle-school rite of passage, but invisalign technology makes it possible for adults needing orthodontic work to straighten teeth much less noticeably, without seriously interrupting a busy schedule.
The most obvious advantage is cosmetic, especially for people who are routinely involved in work situations where appearance matters, such as those who speak to groups. But the advantages are not only visual. There are no inconvenient food or drink restrictions either, because unlike standard metal braces, these clear plastic devices may be removed for eating and cleaning.
Made of clear, non-irritating materials, they do not damage sensitive gums or other oral tissues. This helps reduce some of the side effects that can occur with traditional wire and bracket technology, including root resorption, which causes the teeth to shorten. Because they cannot be removed except by the dentist, standard braces often encourage some types of tooth decay, creating an additional need for repair.
Adjustment of invisalign appliances occurs more often. Rather than tightening existing metal bands every six weeks, a new custom-fitted aligner mold is applied approximately every two weeks based on computerized treatment projections. Computer analysis is key to treatment, and can give patients a very good idea of the type of end result to expect. Some forms of treatment take less time to complete than standard braces.
The entire process may take as little as 12 to 18 months for adults, less than the average time spent by those wearing wire appliances. Younger patients who choose this form of treatment may have to wear them for an amount of time comparable to standard braces, but with an more immediately visible result. The number of routine checks needed averages about once every six weeks.
The overall results may also be longer lasting for some patients. Even when the materials used are of the highest quality and are installed with care, dental implants, crowns, veneers and bridgework have the potential to break over long-term use. The chances of this occurring to healthy, natural teeth is somewhat less, and straightened teeth are less vulnerable to decay.
No straightening method is completely free from discomfort, and removing them more often than recommended may be tempting. They generally must be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours per day to be truly effective. Taking them out too often, or leaving them out for lengthy periods may caused the next mold to fit improperly, and a new impression may be needed, adding to the overall length of treatment.
The overall cost may also be somewhat higher, and invisalign is not ideal for every dental situation. Because proper jaw and tooth alignment affects overall health, however, it is never too late to begin treatment that should have taken place years earlier. While successfully used to treat younger individuals, this method can also be ideal for older adolescents and adults, providing an attractive and appealing alternative to traditional orthodontic devices.
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Local dentist in Richmond Hill and dentist in Thornhill offering you comprehensive dental care and perfecting your smile in a convenient and clean dental clinic. Dentistry in Thornhill 2300 John Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 6G7 (905) 731-4611
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