Invisalign – The Secret to Millions of Happy Smiles

There used to be a time when almost every child could be seen with braces. Teeth straightening was considered one of the most difficult and painful things. Thankfully, today dental science has progressed so much that braces are dying a slow death and they are being replaced with something better. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is custom-made aligners created to straighten teeth. They are specially made for each and every patient. Invisalign is made of smooth, comfortable and almost-invisible plastic that you can wear over your teeth. Invisalign was originally developed in 1997 by two Stanford University graduates and was approved by the Food and Drug administration in 1998. It was a year later in 1999 that the Invisalign began to be sold to US orthodontists. 

Why Use Invisalign?

Invisalign help correct several dental imperfections. Some of the reasons why you should get Invisalign are – 

• Crowded Teeth

• Irregular Spacing Between Teeth

• Overbite

• Under-bite

• Deep-bite 

What Happens When You Wear Invisalign?

Wearing Invisalign helps to gradually shift misplaced teeth and bring them to place. The movement is planned by your dentist or orthodontist. Invisalign have no metal brackets which cause irritation and interferes in eating, talking etc. Since Invisalign are almost invisible aligners, most people do not know you have them on. 

Benefits of Invisalign

When compared with braces, though the results are the same – bringing back the beautiful smile on people – the advantages of Invisalign are fare removed and many. Braces are known to be uncomfortable and troublesome but that’s not the case with these new-age dental solutions. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages. 

• One of the best features of Invisalign is that it allows you to eat whatever you want, whenever you want. This doesn’t happen when you wear braces. Braces limit your food choices. 

• You can remove Invisalign whenever you want. According to reports, Invisalign retainers should wear them for about 22 hours every day. However, they can be left out on special occasions without any adverse effect. 

• You won’t feel embarrassed wearing Invisalign. Since they are invisible, anyone can hardly know you are wearing them, unless you tell them so. 

• Your brushing and flossing habits need not be altered because of Invisalign.Thus with Invisalign, you have better chances of maintaining your dental health. 

• Invisalign do not hurt, they don’t irritate. They are made of smooth, comfortable plastic pieces, quite unlike the sharp metals (of braces) whichhurt the cheeks and gums. 

• You don’t need to visit your orthodontist or dentist regularly while you wear Invisalign. 

• It takes just about one year to treat crooked teeth with Invisalign, unlike braces. 

Facts and Figures About Why Choose Invisalign

Facts and figures clearly indicate that Invisalign is one dental innovation that is rightly reaching out to more people. 

• Adults also require teeth corrections. Only 35% adults have well-aligned front teeth. Moreover one out of every five orthodontic patient is over the age of 18. 

• Invisalign can help correct bites which is one of the common dental flaws in people. Statistics reveal that 20% of the population do not have an ideal bite. 

• Invisalign has become the trusted procedure the world over. It is being offered in more than 45 countries and is treating over 2.5 million patients. Its popularity is also due to the factor that about 96% patients are satisfied with the treatment.   

Cost of Invisalign

The average cost of Invisalign is about $5,500. In the United States, you can get an insurance cover of about $500-$1500.  

Dental Implants versus Dental Bridges

Not too long ago when you had a missing tooth and the dentist would suggest grinding your adjacent teeth and use them as anchor for a dental bridge.  Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way and today it is possible for you to replace a missing tooth without disturbing the adjacent teeth. Dental implants have become the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure and make it possible for you to regain the natural look of your teeth and a charming smile. Let us now take a look at these procedures in detail and the advantages that dental implants have over fixed bridges. 

Fixed Dental Bridges   
 

Fixed dental bridges are non-removable restoration which would bridge the gap that has been created by one or more missing teeth.  This procedure has been used and perfected over the years and can help you achieve pleasing cosmetic result in relatively short span of time. There are three types of bridges - Traditional Bridges, Cantilever Bridges and Maryland Bonded Bridges. These are used depending on the condition and position of the teeth.
 

Dental Implants   
 

Dental implants basically reconstruct missing teeth and would require a number of visits to the clinic. This can be used for one or more missing teeth and helps you achieve natural looking teeth. This procedure involves placement of a titanium screw in the jaw which acts as the root of the replacement tooth. The new tooth crown is fixed over the crow. While this crown can be placed with the screw immediately in most cases dentists leave the screw to integrate with the jaw bone for a few weeks and then fix the crown over it.
 

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Bridges
 

• The biggest advantage of dental implants causes no damage to the adjacent teeth as is the case with dental bridges. In this procedure the dentist would only work on the missing teeth without damaging adjacent teeth.

• Brushing and flossing implants is much easier compared to dental bridges which can be very difficult for you to clean as small food particles often get stuck in the tiny gaps.

• Dental implants are meant to last for a lifetime if you maintain proper oral hygiene. However bridges tend to have a lifespan and you would need to replace them every few years.

• Implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth irrespective of their position. In case of bridges the dentist would have to assess the condition of the adjacent teeth for support. This makes implants a very flexible procedure while dental bridges cannot always be performed successfully if the adjacent teeth aren’t in a healthy state.

As you can clearly notice, dental implant is more of modern a procedure that can enhance your look and help you regain your smile. Though it is expensive compared to bridges it enjoys many benefits over the traditional dental bridges. And if you are here, and visit a dental clinic in San Diego, the San Diego dentist would carry out a detailed examination and assess the condition of your teeth and gums to suggest you a cosmetic dentistry procedure that addresses your dental condition.