Invisalign

Metal mouth. Railroad tracks. Kids come up with cruel names for those with braces. (Although, kids will come up with cruel names for anything, and probably don’t realize how normal it is to need braces – more people do than don’t!) But as an adult, the stigma that comes with having a mouth full of braces only gets worse, since braces are, for better or worse, associated with gawky pre-adolescent and adolescent years. The fact that few adults wear braces doesn’t help. The problem is, many of us need those braces to correct our teeth alignments and wayward bites. It becomes an issue of balancing which is more embarrassing, braces or crooked teeth. Well, there’s one thing you have to keep in mind when you do your pros and cons list: Braces last a matter of months, crooked teeth are forever.

Okay, so you decide you’ll have to bite the bullet and go for the braces. Well, now what? Braces can hurt your professional life, your dating life, and your social life. It might not be right, but let’s face it, it’s true: Employers and clients may just be unable to take you as seriously with that wiring set up. And, yes, we are a shallow race: Potential dates might, sadly, do a double take when you smile.

The problem has been solved. Invisalign braces have come to your rescue. Because you deserve to have straight teeth without the embarrassment to get there. The simple fact is that many adults need braces, but also need to keep their smiles looking smart, professional, natural, and metal-free. There is finally a solution – braces that will correct your bite but are literally invisible. Now, it’s a no-brainer: Get the smile you deserve.

So what exactly is this seems-too-good-to-be-true Invisalign, and how does it work? Instead of metal bars across your teeth, Invisalign is an actual mold custom fitted and made for your teeth. The aligners are made in a series, programmed to fit your own needs. The aligners are to be switched out every two weeks, to be replaced by the next in your series, each aligner moving your teeth further into the right direction. The aligners are “manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place.” Plus, the Invisalign braces are easily removable so you can eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease, or go braces-free for a special occasion. Your teeth will be improving with each aligner, so the difference will be noticeable before the end of the process. Plus, they’re comfortable.

Who can use Invisalign braces to get those perfect teeth? Invisalign will solve many dental problem areas, like overly crowded teeth. The braces will work to space your teeth out to a healthy arrangement. Conversely, Invisalign will also bring together widely spaced teeth. Invisalign will also cure the common problems of crossbite, overbite, and underbite. Invisalign does cover the range of the most typical dental problems.

You probably want to know the risks or side effects, right? Breathe, they’re not scary. Pain and discomfort are probably on the top of your list of worries, but know that only slight discomfort and pressure have been known to occur for the first few days of each new aligner, every two weeks. This is just the new aligner working and giving your teeth that extra push. It’s not painful, and the pressure goes away. You may also have a slight lisp for a couple of days until your tongue adapts, according to Ivisalign’s site. Now, as you might have guessed from the results Invisalign delivers in such a convenient way, the process is pretty pricey. While it starts around $3,500, the national average is about $5,000. Invisalign recommends talking to your dentist about a payment plan, as this is usually a great option, and also contact your insurance to see how much they will cover – and make sure they cover any of it at all.

Payment plan in hand, Invisalign’s many benefits are worth the hefty price tag. Not only does Invisalign correct your teeth while being invisible and virtually unnoticeable, but they are comfortable and almost pain-free – just that discomfort we spoke about. They are easy and efficient, and remember you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, floss, and make a great impression (just remember to keep them in at all other times). Plus, there are many direct benefits over traditional braces, including healthier gums, easier cleaning, and easier speech. And, because Invisalign has been around for a few years now, the process is streamlined and appointments are fast and flexible to fit your schedule.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.