The History of Dentistry
Things That Make Invisalign Different From Standard Braces
Regina Carlson
If an orthodontist has told you that you need braces to correct a dental problem, and you've been told that you can choose either standard braces or invisible braces, you may want to choose the invisible kind. But if you have no idea what invisalign corrective aligners offer, here are some of the important differences between these clear braces and the standard metal braces.
They are Removable -- Standard braces are permanently affixed to your teeth, unless you are wearing retainers, which are typically used at the end of your metal braces period to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Invisalign, on the other hand, is completely removable, so you are going to experience less wear and tear and damage to these types of braces than the standard ones. And because you remove invisalign braces prior to eating or drinking, they tend to have a longer lifespan than standard braces that have prolonged exposure to the acids and sugar in food and drink.
They Are Computer Designed -- Unlike standard braces, which are fitted into your mouth based on an oral examination, invisalign braces are created using a computerized 3D model of your teeth. After taking an impression of your mouth, an orthodontist digitizes this impression into a computer, which then creates your treatment plan based on the configuration of your teeth. And while standard braces are typically worn for months or years depending on the corrective action needed, invisalign braces are worn for about two to three weeks, and then new aligners are made as your teeth align incrementally.
They Have No Metal -- Obviously, by being an 'invisible' type of braces, invisalign isn't made from metal. Instead, it is constructed from a transparent thermoplastic material, which is durable and tough but fits snugly and comfortably in your mouth. That's because invisalign is shaped exactly like a dental whitening tray and slides over your teeth and gums. There are no metal bars, wires or hard material to irritate your palate or your gums.
They Are Far Less Noticeable -- Similar to when you wear a whitening tray, invisalign is very difficult for people to see unless they are very close to you when you're speaking. So unlike standard braces that are impossible to hide, clear aligners can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, because you don't have to be embarrassed about smiling as you won't have a mouthful of metal.
For more information, contact a business such as South Side Dental Options.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!