Look Ma, Aligned Teeth But No Braces!

Do you have teeth alignment problems? You certainly need to have them straightened. Who wants to keep holding back a smile the rest of his or her life? Braces are one of the tried and tested solutions to this problem but they are not the only solution. In fact, you can use teeth aligners like Invisalign to fix your teeth without using metal braces which some people find bothersome and too obvious. Some adults did not get braces as children, and now wonder if there is a professional way in Portland, Maine to get their teeth fixed without wire and metal in their mouth.

Why are we undecided about using braces though they can align our teeth effectively? In fairness, while braces have transformed the smiles of so many people over the years, this dental solution has some drawbacks that are not easy to ignore. Actually, these problems are the same reasons why dentists have come up with teeth aligners.

One of the teeth aligners recommended by dentists to their dental patients is Invisalign. It is a dental cosmetic device made of smooth, transparent plastic which encloses your teeth and applies a steady pressure to correct your teeth's alignment. In a way, it is like a gentle, invisible brace but it is obviously very different so you cannot call it braces.

Benefits of Invisalign versus braces

First of all, braces are visible. While you are getting your teeth fixed so that you get the wonderful smile you have always wanted, you have to experience a period of having wire or metal attached to your teeth for the world to see. Some brace wearers think it's not a an attractive sight. If you have a teeth aligner, you can forget about what your teeth looks like and simply keep talking or smiling.

You also have to deal with the possibility of irritation to the mouth and gums as well as the pain that is caused by the pressure on your teeth. Invisalign applies a steady pressure that is more comfortable and not quite a rough as having a metal wire tightened on your braces. You get the benefits of adult braces, without the cosmetic embarrassment.

With braces, you can't just remove them whenever you like, especially when you eat or clean your teeth. This means that you have to be extra careful when eating because you don't want bits of food to be stuck in your wired teeth. Eating food that is not appropriate can cause great pain. On the other hand, you can remove your teeth aligner whenever you want.

Drawbacks of Invisalign

Because a teeth aligner is easy to remove, it may be easy to lose or misplace it. It is not the best solution for you if you do not like the idea of taking out the the aligner when you eat, brush your teeth, and then put it back in. You need to keep the teeth aligner in approximately 22 hours a day. It does require self-discipline. Also expect it to cost more than braces. Some people in Portland, Maine are also very sensitive to the material used for it although this is more rare.

In summary, Invisalign is designed to address the limitations of braces but with some pros and cons. With the guidance of your cosmetic dentist in Portland, Maine, you can consider your options to make the right choice that matches your lifestyle, budget and dental health.