Invisalign® aligners, or “braces”, are transparent orthodontic devices that are used to correct crooked teeth and problems with a person’s bite. Invisalign® aligners do most of the things that traditional metal braces do, so they’re often used as a substitute. At Gentle Dental Maine, we recommend Invisalign® over metal braces for various reasons that we’ll go over in this article!

 

Invisalign® Works Faster

The first advantage of Invisalign® over traditional metal braces is that Invisalign® simply works faster. While neither solution will fix your teeth instantly, Invisalign® can correct your smile in as little as 12 weeks to a year, while traditional braces can be on your teeth for anywhere between 18 months and five years. For this reason, many patients choose Invisalign® over traditional metal braces.

 

Invisalign® Is Almost Invisible

The name “Invisalign” comes from the fact that they’re nearly invisible. Invisalign® aligners are made from clear plastic, so they’re much less noticeable than metal braces. While metal braces have all sorts of metal parts like springs, brackets, and wires, Invisalign® is just a simple liner that slips over your teeth. The sleek and almost unnoticeable design of Invisalign® aligners is another reason we recommend them to our patients!

 

Invisalign® Is Removable

Invisalign® aligners are designed to be removed from time to time. While we still recommend that you wear your Invisalign® at least 22 hours per day, including sleeping, you can take them off when needed – unlike metal braces. Metal braces are stuck to your teeth from the time you get them on until the time you get them off and can restrict you from eating certain foods like popcorn and chewing gum. With Invisalign®, you can take your aligners off when eating and brushing your teeth, giving you more freedom! 

 

Invisalign® Aligners Are More Comfortable

Another advantage of Invisalign® over traditional braces is that they’re more comfortable. While metal braces pull on your teeth, causing discomfort, Invisalign® simply slips over your teeth. Metal braces can also cut your tongue and gums on their sharp edges, while Invisalign® is made of smooth plastic, removing the risk of damaging soft tissue in your mouth. For all these reasons combined, Invisalign® is the clear choice over traditional braces!

 

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any questions about Invisalign® aligners or are considering them to correct your smile, contact Gentle Dental of southern Maine! With offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham, we’re here to provide all of southern Maine with the very best in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry! Give us a call at any of our offices or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible! For more information about Invisalign® braces, see our page on them here!