You may have heard of Invisalign®, but you may not know much about how these teeth straighteners work. Invisalign is a method of teeth straightening that has gained in popularity over the years. If you are looking at the different types of teeth alignment devices, consider Invisalign. It may be a great option for straightening your teeth that avoids using metal wires and brackets.

Why Invisalign works

Invisalign has been around for well over two decades and continues to grow in popularity. The idea of Invisalign is simple. Dentists use a program to design clear plastic trays for patients to wear. The trays fit over the patient’s teeth and gently move the teeth into alignment. As the teeth move, patients change trays. Because the trays are clear, Invisalign is a more discreet way to straighten the teeth.

Traditional braces use different materials

Metal brackets and wires are the hallmarks of traditional braces. The dentist cements metal brackets to the teeth. Wires and rubber bands connect the brackets. At each office visit, the dentist tightens the wires to slowly pull the teeth into alignment. With traditional braces, it is very obvious when a patient is wearing them. Sometimes, the wires and brackets can come loose, and patients may experience a great deal of pain and discomfort.

There are no wires

Invisalign does not use any wires to straighten the wearer’s teeth. There are no visible metal brackets. Some patients may need to wear tooth-colored attachments, but these are much less obvious than metal braces. A digital program maps the patient’s teeth and creates plastic trays to fit the patient’s teeth. Invisalign tray aligners stay in place throughout the day until the patient removes them, either with the fingernails or with a removal tool.

Do this for maximum effect

Invisalign trays do not need metal wires and brackets to work, but patients need to follow instructions to get the most benefit from them. Dentists recommend patients wear Invisalign trays up to 22 hours a day. This means people must plan meals and times for oral hygiene. Patients cannot skip proper brushing and flossing. Food and debris trapped in the teeth or behind the Invisalign tray can derail progress and cause tooth decay. Wearing the trays as much as possible keeps patients on track.

No wires mean Invisalign is removable

Once a dentist installs traditional braces, the patient will wear them until the dentist removes them in-office. Invisalign is removable. Patients can take the alignment trays out to eat and drink. Wearing Invisalign trays can promote better oral hygiene. Patients take the trays out for brushing and flossing. Wearing traditional braces makes it difficult to brush and floss properly, and many patients with braces struggle with gingivitis and stubborn, stuck food.

Invisalign simply works

Invisalign aligner trays are simple devices that correct your alignment without wires or brackets. If you are considering straightening your teeth but you are not sure about the visibility of traditional braces, you might want to ask your dentist about Invisalign. It can work for many alignment and bite issues. Ask your dentist to evaluate you for Invisalign today.

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