Smile with Invisalign

Invisalign has increased in popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional braces but still being an effective great way to straighten teeth. You may be wondering how Invisalign works. Of course, it straightens your teeth and improves your smile, but how exactly does it do that?

Invisalign 101

Braces use metal bracket and wires to apply pressure and force on your teeth and jaw bones to bring them into proper alignment. Invisalign doesn't use metal or hard materials. It uses a flexible material that is customized and molded to fit your mouth. When you put it on your teeth, it fits snugly and will shift your teeth slightly and gradually, applying force as needed and where it's needed, until your teeth are used to the new positioning. Then a new set of aligners will move your teeth slightly again until you reach your ideal smile.

Benefits of Invisalign

• One of the largest benefits of Invisalign is that it isn't painful, unlike braces. It's a much more gradual process, so you will not feel the discomfort typically associated with braces.

• Another benefit is that since Invisalign aligners are invisible and molded to your teeth, it is much less noticeable. It's made of clear material, so very few will notice that you are wearing it, unlike with braces, where it's very obvious.

• Last, you won't have to restrict any foods from your diet. With braces, there are many of foods that you are unable to enjoy. With Invisalign, you remove your Invisalign retainer whenever you eat, so you are allowed to eat anything that you were eating previously. Essentially, this allows you to continue with your normal eating habits.

So, it's pretty clear that Invisalign has a lot of great benefits compared to braces, most importantly the comfort factor and dietary impact. Talk to your dentist in Charlotte today to see if Invisalign is an option for you. Ultimately, if your dentist advises you to have braces, it's best to follow the advice of a professional. It's worth noting that Invisalign is sometimes a long process for straightening teeth compared to braces, but many feel it's worth the wait because of all of the other benefits and conveniences that Invisalign provides.

Call Dr. Shah-Khan today to learn more about Invisalign, whether for a teen or an adult, by reaching our office at (704) 372-6393.