Metal braces and headgear might seem like a necessary rite of passage in the journey to straight teeth, but these days, you have a choice for perfecting your smile. Many common dental problems — like misaligned teeth, overbite, and underbite — can be corrected with Invisalign®️ clear aligners, which fit over your teeth to gently move your them into proper alignment.
If you’re a candidate for traditional braces, you’re most likely a candidate for Invisalign. At MJM Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Malcolm Murray and his team fit teen and adult patients with the Invisalign system, giving them straighter teeth without the pain and hassle of traditional braces. Invisalign has become a popular way to perfect your smile because the clear aligners come with many perks.
Aligners are invisible
The greatest benefit of Invisalign for many patients is that the aligners are clear, and they don’t affect your appearance when you’re wearing them. You always know when someone is wearing traditional braces because you can see the metal brackets and wires. Everyone wants to look their best, and clear aligners give you a straight smile without sacrificing any self-confidence.
Aligners are convenient
You can take the aligners out if you need to. If you have a big event or you just want to eat popcorn at the movies, you can remove your aligners temporarily. While we recommend that you wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day for best results, you can choose when it’s convenient for you. Invisalign fits into your life while giving you a straighter smile.
Aligners are comfortable
Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic that’s been custom-molded for your teeth. The aligners don’t have the sharp edges of traditional braces that can tear your mouth or lips, and they’re comfortable to wear.
Each new set of aligners uses small adjustments to place controlled force on your teeth, pushing them into the right place. The Invisalign system is more gentle and less obtrusive than traditional braces, eliminating much of the pain associated with getting straight teeth.
Aligners save time
In as little as 18 months, Invisalign works to gradually straighten your teeth while you continue to enjoy your life. The aligner system can even save time while achieving straight teeth.
You wear each set of aligners as directed, for a few weeks, but you don’t need to return frequently to Dr. Murray’s office for adjustment as you would with traditional braces. You receive your full set of Invisalign aligners and progress according to your customized treatment plan, seeing Dr. Murray occasionally so he can evaluate your progress.
With Invisalign, you won’t suffer from broken wires or brackets between appointments like you might with traditional braces. That means no emergency trips for repairs that are causing you pain.
Aligners improve dental hygiene
Dr. Murray recommends that you brush your teeth before putting in your Invisalign aligners, even if you’ve just eaten a small snack. Brushing and flossing regularly keeps plaque from building up and forming cavities, and removable aligners make it easy to keep your teeth clean, instead of trying to brush and floss around brackets and wires attached to your teeth. The aligners themselves are easy to clean, too.
Aligners also can help you kick that mindless and unhealthy nail-biting habit in addition to getting straighter teeth. Because the plastic covers your top and bottom teeth, it makes biting your nails nearly impossible.
Straight teeth don’t just look good; they contribute to a healthier mouth. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, and when your teeth are spaced properly, gums fit more securely around them. This keeps bacteria away, protecting your mouth from periodontal disease and other conditions. Teeth that align mean a proper bite, which is better for your jaw. Curious if you could be taking advantage of the perks of invisible aligners to get a straighter smile? Schedule an Invisalign consultation with MJM Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today.