If you have been considering orthodontic treatment but have avoided it because you don't want to wear braces, you most likely have another option - Invisalign. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that move your teeth into the desired position. The experts at Huls Orthodontics, a Champaign cosmetic dentist, share these six things you probably don't know about Invisalign.
1. Invisalign is Customized for You
The Invisalign system uses state-of-the-art technology to design each aligner specifically for you. The system takes impressions of your teeth and then uses 3-D modeling to create a series of aligners that will gently move your teeth during your treatment. In fact, you will be able to see what the final results will look like before you even begin treatment.
2. Invisalign is Removable
You will need to wear your aligners for approximately 22 hours per day, but you can remove them to eat and clean your teeth. This is a significant advantage over braces, which can make eating and cleaning difficult.
3. Invisalign is More Comfortable
Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment, but the brackets and wires can cause damage to the soft tissue in your mouth. Additionally, when the braces are tightened, it can leave your mouth feeling sore and achy.
Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a gentle force to move your teeth. Patients say they may feel some minor discomfort when moving to a new aligner, but it quickly dissipates. Since the aligners are made from clear, smooth plastic, there is very little chance that they will affect the soft tissue in your mouth.
4. They're Barely Noticeable
Another bonus of Invisalign is that they are clear aligners that fit over your teeth, so they are virtually invisible. If you are looking for a discreet orthodontic option, Invisalign is for you.
5. Can Improve Digestion
You may not think of it this way, but digestion actually begins in the mouth, and straight teeth are much better at starting the process. When your teeth are properly aligned, they do a much better job of breaking down food.
6. The Inventor of Invisalign Wore Metal Braces
Not a critical fact you need to know but certainly a fun fact. Zia Chishti was a student at Stanford when his braces were removed, and he got a retainer. It occurred to him that a series of retainers could do the same work like metal braces, with the added benefit of being removable. Within a few years, he found partners and designed the system, which launched in 1997.
Huls Orthodontics, Champaign, IL, Invisalign Solutions
We offer Invisalign Teen, which is specifically for teenagers. Teens have different needs than adults because they may have permanent teeth erupt during treatment. To ensure that erupting teeth don't disrupt treatment, we use eruption tabs so that there is enough space for teeth to come in during treatment.
Make an Appointment with Your Champaign, IL, Cosmetic Dentist Today!
For more information on Invisalign or to make an appointment, please contact us. Our highly skilled cosmetic dentists will be happy to answer any questions you may have about Invisalign or our practice. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, straight smile.