Crooked and overlapping teeth are not just issues that affect children and teenagers. Even adults who had braces as an adolescent have difficulty maintaining their results and are plagued by the appearance of their teeth. Although many adults today are unhappy with their smiles, they avoid doing anything about it out of fear of looking unprofessional in metal braces. But did you know you can effectively and discreetly straighten your smile with clear braces? Invisalign® uses a series of customized aligners designed to fit comfortably over your top and bottom teeth to shift teeth into proper alignment.
Both teenagers and adults alike find this orthodontic system beneficial for many great reasons. Philadelphia dentist Dr. Tau is proud to offer this orthodontic solution for his patients. Read on to learn five great benefits of Invisalign® or call our office today at (215) 709-9460 to schedule your consultation.
No Food Restrictions
Invisalign® aligners are removable, thus you can eat all your favorite foods, including caramel candies and popcorn. The brackets and wires associated with traditional braces can be easily damaged by these types of foods and must be avoided throughout treatment.
More Comfortable than Traditional Braces
Each aligner is fabricated from smooth plastic and will fit comfortably over your teeth. With this orthodontic system, you never have to worry about brackets irritating the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing painful sores or callouses.
Virtually Invisible
Because your aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic, and fashioned to fit closely over your teeth, they are discreet and virtually invisible. Most people will be unaware you are wearing orthodontics. However, if you have a special speaking engagement or photography session and you don’t want to worry about your aligners causing an issue, you can simply remove them.
Easy to Maintain
Caring for your aligners is simple. When not wearing them, keep them stored in a hard, plastic container and out of the heat. Each morning and night, remove them to brush your teeth and then use toothpaste and your toothbrush to keep them fresh and clean. When rinsing them, use cool water. Hot water could cause aligners to warp, making them ineffective. Dr. Tau will monitor your results every six weeks to make sure your teeth are responding well to treatment.
More Affordable, Faster Treatment
Traditional braces cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 (possibly more), depending on where you get them, and require monthly office visits. Treatment generally takes at least 18 to 36 months. As Invisalign® continues to grow in popularity, more and more dentists are offering specials and insurance companies are choosing to cover a portion of the cost. Not only is Invisalign® more affordable, but patients can achieve results in 12 to 15 months with fewer office visits.
However, it’s important to note that Invisalign® is only effective if you follow proper protocol. Aligners should be worn in two-week intervals for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. They should only be removed for eating, cleaning, and special occasions. If not, your treatment may take longer.
Straighten Your Smile
If you are looking for an effective and discreet way to straighten your smile in just a matter of months – contact our Philadelphia office today at (215) 709-9460 to schedule your office visit.