Invisalign Braces

Invisalign as an Alternative to Braces

We all want to have attractive smiles but may wonder if there are any alternatives to braces for teeth that provide clear teeth straightening. Invisalign Santa Barbara gives us such a choice.

Why Invisalign Works

Kyger Orthodontics explains that dental records, including facial photographs and dental x-rays, are sent to Invisalign. In consultation with dental providers, Invisalign uses these records to develop computer models of how the teeth should properly align. From these models, trays called aligners are made and sent to the providers. We wear a series of aligners for about two weeks at a time, with each one moving the teeth approximately 1/10 mm.

In most cases, some teeth will still be slightly out of position after the last tray, but this can be fixed by additional aligners called refinement trays, which are included in the original Invisalign cost and help make it affordable teeth straightening. We choose a type of retainer to wear after the realignment process is complete. Retainers are normally worn less often as time goes on, but they are necessary to prevent chewing and biting from pushing teeth back out of alignment.

Why Invisalign Is Better Than Braces

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays that are invisible aligners for teeth. This invisibility is ideal if we do not want people to know we are wearing braces. While Invisalign’s primary benefit over braces is its appearance, it is an efficient correction for uncomplicated alignment issues, and it also does not impact speech.

Invisalign When Eating

Animated-Teeth.com discusses that eating with our trays in may damage them, thereby preventing them from correctly straightening our teeth. Besides that, doing so would most likely not be enjoyable, since food would tend to stick to and gum up around our aligners. While it might be tempting to not fool with removing them, we still have to take them out to clean them.

Invisalign When Sick

The advice given on RealSelf.com indicates that germs may collect on the trays when we are sick. Accordingly, treatment may be cut back during illness. Alternatively, we may still wear the aligners normally while keeping them disinfected.

When Invisalign Won’t Work

Cosmopolitan Orthodontics advises that Invisalign is not a viable option for severely crooked teeth. Young patients whose teeth are still growing cannot benefit. Otherwise, eligible candidates must be willing to make the time commitment involved in removing and cleaning the trays as indicated.

Request Your Appointment Today

Call (805) 316-3821 or contact Mountain and Sea Dental to learn more about our approach to dentistry and whole body health.