What is Invisalign and what can it be used for?
Orthodontic conditions are a topic as old as humanity itself. Their severity can range from minor aesthetic issues to serious problems impairing the quality of life. The treatment of these conditions has started to advance mostly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Before the 1970s, orthodontic conditions had been mostly treated by using headgears and metal braces. With the invention of dental adhesives in the mid 1970s the usage of metal braces with brackets became possible. This significantly reduced the aesthetic issues associated with earlier forms of braces and it also reduced the amount of discomfort experienced throughout such treatments.
Later developments in the field of medical plastics have brought invisible braces to the markets. These braces have an identical structure and function to metal braces, but they differ in the material they are made out of; the brackets of invisible braces are made out of plastic that has the same colour as the patient’s teeth, and the wires are made out of transparent plastic. This has significantly reduced the visibility of these braces. Later developments include invisible aligners, with the most famous and the first brand being Invisalign in Weybridge. Invisalign and other plastic aligners are ‘moulds’ of a patient’s teeth, which fit perfectly on the dental arches. During these treatments a series of these aligners are made as the treatment progresses, to achieve optimal results incrementally.
If you think you would benefit from some type of invisible aligner, such as Invisalign in Weybridge, do not hesitate to contact our dental practice, Weybridge Orthodontics in Surrey, to book yourself a consultation session, where we evaluate your orthodontic condition and help you in choosing the best possible treatment option.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
One of the most obvious benefits of Invisalign in Weybridge is the near invisibility of the plastic aligners. They fit perfectly on your teeth, and they are very hard to notice – unless you mention that you use them. These aligners are removable, which means that you can clean them and brush your teeth without the need of specific toothbrushes required when using traditional braces. Certain types of foods and beverages are known to have remarkable staining capabilities. These include for example coffee, red wine and some fruits as well. If you remove the aligners before consuming any of these you can easily prevent the staining of the aligners. However, it is important to note that they must be worn at least 22 hours a day to achieve the best results.
What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?
As with every type of treatment there are some important disadvantages to consider as well. Invisalign and other invisible aligners are not suitable for every type of orthodontic condition. Severe malocclusions and large gaps between teeth require traditional braces, as Invisalign cannot fit the tooth that must be realigned in these cases. People with very round or small teeth are also not suitable candidates for treatment by Invisalign, as the aligners in these cases cannot get the necessary grip on the teeth. Some patients would also consider the removable nature of these aligners a disadvantage rather than a feature. If you think you are the type of person who cannot always remember to wear these, you should consider an alternative option – there are plenty of them. Invisible aligners require significant patient commitment. Contact our dental practice to find out more about Invisalign and its alternatives.