If you’re worried about the way your smile looks and are thinking about getting braces, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 4 million people wear braces to help them restore their smiles.
For many people, the thought of wearing traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth is enough to keep them from talking to their dentist. After all, it’s hard to feel confident about your smile when you’re worried about people noticing your braces.
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of traditional braces, you don’t have to give up your dream of having straight teeth. With Invisalign®, you can straighten your teeth subtly and get to avoid the common pitfalls of traditional metal braces.
This treatment option isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to tell if you’re an ideal Invisalign candidate so you can make an appointment with your Chattanooga dentist.
You’re Worried About the Way Braces Look
It should come as no surprise that traditional braces are incredibly noticeable. There’s no way to hide the brackets, wires, and rubber bands that gradually shift your teeth into the proper alignment.
There’s nothing wrong with traditional braces, but they can make people feel self-conscious about their smiles.
If you’re worried about the way you’ll look with braces or feel that it will keep you from being confident anytime you crack a grin, Invisalign may be the best fit. The alignment trays are completely clear and you won’t have to worry about people noticing them when you smile.
Keep in mind that there is an adjustment period. You’ll need to get used to talking with the trays in and this can take a few days. However, once you adapt to the trays, no one will know you have them in.
The Issues You’re Treating Aren’t Incredibly Severe
Invisalign can treat a wide variety of dental issues however, it’s not perfect for every possible problem. Some alignment issues are just too severe for the trays to treat quickly and effectively.
If your alignment issues are small to moderate, Invisalign may be a great fit. Even if you think your teeth are too crooked or believe your bite to be too off-kilter, schedule an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist.
They’ll be able to examine your teeth and figure out the right treatment options for your needs. Even if you do need traditional braces, they’ll be able to discuss your options and find a treatment plan that will leave you feeling confident in your smile.
You’re Committed to Putting in the Work
Invisalign isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it treatment option. You have to be willing to put in the work and remember to wear your alignment trays every single day.
If you forget to put your trays back in after you eat or you end up not wearing them for the recommended 22 hours a day, you’ll slow down your progress. This will make your treatment take far longer than it should.
With traditional braces, you don’t have to worry about remembering to wear them. They’re not removable so you won’t have to worry nearly as much about slowing down your progress.
If you think you can remember to wear the trays and switch them out every two weeks to stay on track, Invisalign may be a great option. However, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to think about their braces or you’re worried about frequently losing your alignment trays, traditional braces may be a better choice.
You Have a Busy Schedule
Traditional braces need to get tightened by your orthodontist about once a month. This means you’ll have to find time to schedule an appointment once a month throughout your entire treatment. If you’re busy, finding times that work with your schedule and your orthodontist’s availability can be tough.
Invisalign gives you more flexibility. You receive the alignment trays in the mail according to your treatment schedule. This means you’re free to switch to new trays on your own without scheduling an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist.
If your schedule is constantly packed with activities or obligations, Invisalign may be a better treatment option. You won’t have to worry about fitting appointments in and can change your alignment trays at home.
You Don’t Want to Give Up Certain Foods
Traditional braces aren’t removable. You eat and drink while wearing them and have to deal with the inconvenience of food getting stuck in the brackets and wires. For most people, getting traditional braces means having to give up certain foods until their treatment is over.
Things like sticky candies, gum, whole apples, and corn on the cob become off-limits.
With Invisalign, you get to take the trays out anytime you eat or drink anything other than water. This means you’re free to eat whatever you want without having to worry about food getting stuck in your braces.
Keep in mind that you’ll still want to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before you put the trays back in. If you don’t, you’ll increase your risk of tooth decay and could cause discoloration on the trays themselves. If the trays aren’t clear, people will be able to tell that you’re wearing them.
You Want to Be Able to Brush and Floss Normally
Traditional braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging. You have to clean around the brackets and find ways to get rid of buildup between the wires and rubber bands.
With Invisalign, you get to remove the trays and brush and floss your teeth normally. This helps keep your teeth and gums in better shape and reduces the risk of decay significantly.
See If You’re an Invisalign Candidate Today
Traditional braces are always a good choice, but for people who want to straighten their teeth without relying on metal brackets, Invisalign is a wonderful option. You’ll see results quickly and get to avoid the discomfort traditional braces can cause throughout treatment.
Whether you’re worried about a crooked smile or just want to keep your teeth in perfect condition for the rest of your life, don’t wait.
Find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate and start exploring your options. Schedule an assessment with our team today.