The Benefits of Invisalign: A Clear Path to a Beautiful Smile
Written by Torrey Hills Dental
If you’re considering straightening your teeth but hate the idea of wearing braces, you’ve probably thought about Invisalign. But how successful is Invisalign compared to traditional orthodontic systems? And are adults good candidates for “invisible” tray-type braces?
At Torrey Hills Dental, our Carmel Valley team knows firsthand just how effective and successful Invisalign treatment is. We recommend Invisalign for a number of reasons, ranging from aesthetics to periodontal health to improved TMJ function.
How Successful is Invisalign?
Invisalign is just as successful as traditional braces when it comes to treating mild to moderate issues such as crooked or crowded teeth, gaps in your smile, and even overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, the success of your treatment largely depends on your adherence to the treatment plan. The best way to see results is to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day at minimum and change them every two weeks as prescribed by our San Diego dentists.
Since Invisalign is digitally mapped and virtually planned, you can expect highly successful results when used as directed. If, for any reason, you have an extremely severe issue that you need to correct, we can discuss the likely outcome before treatment begins and even show you a virtual “preview” of your expected results before your orthodontic trays are made.
Do Adults Make Good Candidates for Invisalign Treatment?
Yes! In fact, Invisalign was actually created for adults. Particularly those who wore braces before but maybe didn’t keep up with their retainers and experienced what we call “relapse.” Today, Invisalign continues to be popular among adults who want a discreet and convenient way to straighten their teeth without the look and discomfort of metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, smooth, and comfortable plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible. Plus, you can remove them when eating, brushing, and flossing.
The better question to ask is, is Invisalign appropriate for teens? Adults tend to be more committed to their treatment and keep up with changing out their trays as directed. However, some teens may have distractions or busy schedules that interfere with “keeping up with” their Invisalign. You and your family will want to have a serious conversation about the daily maintenance required before investing in a removable orthodontic system like Invisalign.
Do Invisalign’s Chewies speed treatment?
Chewies are small, squishy foam pieces that you chew on to help your aligners fit more tightly and speed up the movement of your teeth. Chewies are not required for Invisalign treatment, but they can help you get the best results in the least amount of time. Simply insert the chewie between your front teeth and bite down for a few seconds. Repeat the process with each new set of aligners. Some providers do see a reduced treatment time for their patients who choose to use Chewies during their Invisalign experience.
How to keep Invisalign attachments white?
Invisalign attachments are small tooth-colored bumps or hooks that some people need to have attached to their teeth to help the aligners grip better. They’re an important part of Invisalign treatment, but they can become discolored over time if you don’t take care of them. To keep your attachments white, avoid eating or drinking dark or sugary foods and drinks while wearing your aligners. Brush your teeth and aligners after each meal, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean your attachments. Attachments are tooth-colored, so they do blend in with your smile, and our dentists will remove them once your Invisalign treatment is complete.
Invisalign in Carmel Valley, San Diego
If you’re looking for Invisalign in Carmel Valley, look no further than Torrey Hills Dental. Our experienced dentists will evaluate your dental needs and create a personalized treatment plan using Invisalign clear aligners. We’re committed to providing you with a beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
Invisalign Clear Aligners Near You
Contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation. Flexible payment plans are available for all Invisalign patients!