Adults and teens who need to align crooked, gapped, crowded, or slanted teeth, and those who have bite problems no longer have to endure bulky, fixed metal braces. Invisalign, which uses innovative align technology is a leading treatment for common orthodontic conditions, and it only continues to grow in popularity. Better yet, you don’t need to visit an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment. Your Anaheim dentist may be able to treat your alignment and bite issues, so that you don’t need to see a specialist. So, is Invisalign right for you? Read on for the top three reasons that people choose Invisalign over traditional braces.

Invisalign Offers Greater Comfort

Invisalign alignment trays are made of clear, smooth plastic that does not contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is an industrial chemical added to certain plastics. There are no wires used in Invisalign.

Invisalign aligners are also removable. The trays need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day for your treatment to progress on time. However, you may remove the aligners when you eat, when you drink liquids other than water, when you play sports, and when you eat.

Being able to remove the appliances is an enormous benefit compared to traditional metal braces. This removable feature allows you to eat whatever you want without worrying about food becoming stuck in your braces.

Removable alignment trays can also be removed when eating or drinking colored liquid. This prevents the trays from staining. It also prevents tooth discoloration that can result from traditional bracket braces. With traditional braces, you cannot brush the entire surface of the tooth because the brackets are cemented to the teeth. As the result, some patients have white spots on their teeth when their brackets are removed. Athletes also enjoy being able to remove their Invisalign braces and insert a mouthguard when playing high-contact sports.

Because Invisalign does not use wires, you won’t have to deal with regular orthodontic appointments to have your braces tightened. Although the first few days after switching to the next series of trays can cause discomfort, it is well tolerated by patients, and less painful than the tightening required by traditional braces.

There are also no abrasive brackets to cut the insides of your cheeks with Invisalign. So you won’t need to worry about using dental wax. You also won’t be at risk for a wire snapping and leaving a sharp edge that requires immediate treatment.

Invisalign Offers Discretion

A second reason that people prefer Invisalign is due to the nearly invisible alignment trays. Many people will not even notice you’re undergoing teeth alignment. The nearly invisible trays are rarely seen in photos. For those who may be self-conscious about smiling with metal braces, Invisalign allows you to remain secure and confident.

If you choose to align your teeth with Invisalign, you should plan to take excellent care of your trays to prevent them from becoming scratched, or discolored. You should plan to clean your Invisalign retainers at least twice a day. You should also brush your teeth after eating and before you put your trays back in. There are special cleaning crystals that you can buy for Invisalign. But you can also keep them clean with frequent rinsing, removing if you’re drinking anything other than water, and brushing them twice a day.

It is important to note however, that as the patient, you’ll be responsible for keeping your aligners clean and clear, so they remain nearly invisible during your treatment.

Invisalign Provides Fast Results

Most patients begin seeing results from Invisalign in just weeks. If you only need to align a few teeth, treatment may be completed in as little as six months. Nearly all patients complete treatment within 18 months. A severe underbite, overbite, open bite or crossbite may take longer to correct. But treatment time with Invisalign is often shorter than treatment with traditional braces.

Some patients may require Invisalign attachments, known as buttons. These help to expedite treatment. Buttons are small, tooth-colored attachments that are bonded to the surface of teeth. Other patients may require the use of elastics with Invisalign, to correct bite issues. Elastics also help speed up your treatment time.

Why Anaheim Dentists Love Invisalign

In addition to offering discreet, comfortable, fast treatment, Invisalign offers other benefits that dentists love. These include:

  • Allows patients to brush the entire surface of the tooth
  • Allows patients to floss teeth without obstructions, or requiring special tools
  • May promote better oral health
  • Won’t leave stains on teeth after treatment

Patients also benefit from the following, when choosing Invisalign instead of traditional braces:

  • Fewer appointments during treatment
  • Cost savings
  • Painless scans
  • Amazing results

Invisalign is suitable for most alignment and bite issues. In some complex cases, your dentist may recommend that you see an orthodontist for traditional braces. Parents should also make sure that their child is responsible enough to wear the alignment trays as required, and to keep the alignment trays safe when they aren’t being worn.

Schedule a Free Invisalign Consultation in Anaheim

Dr. Desai, dentist at Smile Brite Dental provides free Invisalign consultations in Anaheim. If you’re deemed a viable candidate for this alignment technology, you can have your painless 3D imaging scans the same day. The scans will then be sent to the lab to create your custom alignment trays. If you’re ready to take the first steps towards a straight, even smile, call 714-776-3535 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

At Smile Brite Dental, Dr. Desai has provided Orange County residents with the best dental care available for 25 years. He attended the University of California at Irvine for his undergraduate degree. He graduated from Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia in 1994. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Orange County Dental Society, and an Associate Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Desai is also certified in Adult Oral Conscious Sedation, for anxious or fearful patients.