The demand for orthodontic treatment in the UK to fix tooth alignment issues is increasing exponentially every day. According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), over 200,000 children and teenagers receive orthodontic treatment by the NHS in England. At the same time, the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment is also on the increase. Interestingly, a survey by the BOS also shows that the most popular orthodontic treatment system among orthodontists and patients is the Invisalign aligner, with 80% of UK dentists offering clear aligners as one of the treatment options.
If you are also thinking about getting clear aligners for your treatment, but you’re unsure whether they are suitable for you, you have come to the right place. This blog explains everything you need to know about clear aligners, how they work and differ from braces, and their advantages. So, what are the advantages to Invisalign? Continue reading to learn more about them.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Invisalign?
Every orthodontic treatment system has its own merits and demerits. If we consider Invisalign clear aligners, they offer various distinct advantages over traditional braces:
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- Inconspicuous – Invisalign aligners are made of a transparent polymer that makes them virtually invisible when worn. Hence, unlike braces, they will not affect your smile or facial aesthetics.Â
- Comfort –Â Invisalign aligners are made of a flexible polymer, making them much more comfortable to wear than braces. Clear aligners also cause less soft injury than braces.Â
- Oral Hygiene Maintenance –Â clear aligners can be removed while brushing and flossing. Therefore, they allow you to maintain better oral hygiene than metal braces.Â
- No Dietary Restriction – with aligners, you can eat all your favourite foods. Simply remove them while eating and wear them back on once you’re done.Â
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At the same time, like every other orthodontic treatment option, Invisalign aligners also have certain drawbacks:
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- Invisalign aligners may not be suitable for treating very complex or complicated orthodontic issues.Â
- Treatment results rely heavily on patient compliance.
- Not every dentist is trained to provide Invisalign treatment.Â
Is Invisalign Really Better Than Braces?
Traditional braces are considered the gold standard for straightening teeth. However, many patients do not like to get braces due to their unaesthetic metallic appearance and their tendency to cause frequent soft tissue injuries. On the other hand, Invisalign is a relatively newer orthodontic system based on virtually invisible, removable aligners that are much more comfortable and cause minimal pain and discomfort. So, if you are looking for a treatment option that offers the best aesthetics with comfort and convenience, then invisalign is a better option than braces.Â
Is The Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Effective?
Yes, Invisalign treatment is effective in treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues. The manufacturers of Invisalign estimate that over 12 million people worldwide have benefitted from their aligners and are now enjoying healthy and beautiful smiles. Your dentist can recommend whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for you after a thorough examination.Â
Are Invisalign Braces Good For Chewing?
The Invisalign system is based on removable aligners worn over the teeth. The aligners are designed to exert pressure on the teeth and move them in the desired direction. However, you must remove your aligners when you want to eat or drink anything – except plain water. This is because the aligners are only designed to realign your teeth and play no role in chewing or food digestion. Once you have finished eating, simply wash your aligners with lukewarm water and put them back on. Â
Are Invisalign Braces Good For Chewing?
The Invisalign system is based on removable aligners worn over the teeth. The aligners are designed to exert pressure on the teeth and move them in the desired direction. However, you must remove your aligners when you want to eat or drink anything – except plain water. This is because the aligners are only designed to realign your teeth and play no role in chewing or food digestion. Once you have finished eating, simply wash your aligners with lukewarm water and put them back on. Â
How Can Invisalign Be Used To Fix Overbites Or Underbites?
Mild cases of overbites and underbites can be easily fixed with Invisalign aligners. However, for more complicated issues, your orthodontist will use special attachments with aligners. These attachments provide a vantage point to the aligners that allow them to perform complex tooth movements like rotations and vertical movements. So, depending on the severity of your issue, your dentist will decide whether to use attachments with the aligners or not.Â
How Can Invisalign Be Used To Fix Overbites Or Underbites?
Mild cases of overbites and underbites can be easily fixed with Invisalign aligners. However, for more complicated issues, your orthodontist will use special attachments with aligners. These attachments provide a vantage point to the aligners that allow them to perform complex tooth movements like rotations and vertical movements. So, depending on the severity of your issue, your dentist will decide whether to use attachments with the aligners or not.Â
Is It Possible To Treat Crooked Teeth With Invisalign?
Yes, Invisalign aligners can be used to treat virtually all types of tooth alignment problems. Your dentist will first perform a clinical examination to diagnose the underlying issue and then, depending on its severity, prepare a treatment plan to fix it.Â
Which Takes Longer Braces Or Invisalign?
Both braces and Invisalign aligners can take virtually the same to fix orthodontic issues. However, clear aligners may require less time to correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems than braces. At the same time, it must be remembered that the treatment duration with Invisalign also depends heavily on patient compliance.Â
Invisalign Or Braces, Which One Needs More Time And Care?
Compared to Invisalign, braces require more care and time. This is because optimal teeth cleaning becomes challenging with braces, and patients have to spend more time ensuring interdental cleaning and plaque removal. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for brushing, flossing, or eating.Â
Can Invisalign Make My Teeth Just As Perfect As Braces Can Do?
As discussed earlier, Invisalign aligners can be used to fix mild to moderate orthodontic issues. In fact, many dentists in the UK are now using clear aligners to treat orthodontic problems, not only because of their comfort but also because they are quite effective.Â
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If you are thinking of getting an Invisalign aligner, the first step is to find a renowned and experienced orthodontist in your area. If you live in Wakefield or the suburbs, you should consider Space Dental, where we offer all general and dental speciality services under one roof, at affordable rates. So, whether you need aligners for yourself or your kids, don’t waste any more time and start your orthodontic treatment journey with us by booking an appointment. A beautiful and healthy smile awaits you at Space Dental.Â
