Tips to Save a Tooth That is Knocked Out

Straightening your teeth improves not only their appearance, but also your oral health. However, adults may cringe at the thought of having chunky, metal, uncomfortable braces on their teeth. Fortunately, you have the option of choosing a set of clear, custom aligners called Invisalign. If you're considering Invisalign, here are a few benefits compared to conventional braces.

Aesthetics

From a visual standpoint, Invisalign is more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces. As an adult, socializing, going to work, and going about your daily life can cause you to feel self-conscious if you have metal braces. Traditional braces are extremely noticeable, whereas adults typically prefer discretion. Traditional braces can cause your teeth to appear as if they're filled with chunks of metal. In addition, food particles get stuck in traditional braces, which can cause embarrassment. Invisalign makes for a great alternative to traditional braces due to its clear, discreet nature. 

Removable

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable. This aspect adds a layer of flexibility. When it's time to brush and floss, you're able to remove your aligner so that you can maintain oral hygiene without fuss. Brushing and flossing with traditional braces can be a tricky, often frustrating process and requires extra care to remove food particles and keep clean. Anyone with traditional braces can vouch for how challenging they can be to keep clean. In addition, if you plan on eating something sticky, like taffy, or problematic like nuts or chewing gum, you're able to simply remove your aligner so that you can eat hassle-free.  

Shorter Treatment Time

A major complaint about traditional braces is the duration of treatment time. You may need to wear traditional braces for several years. It's not uncommon to wear braces for four or five years, which is not very appealing to adults. On the other hand, the average treatment duration for Invisalign is typically a year, which is significantly less than traditional braces. In most cases you'll notice results in two to three months.

What to Expect

If you decide Invisalign is the best option for you, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan. Expect to have X-rays taken of your teeth, as well as photographs and moulded impressions. Your dentist then uses special Invisalign software to predict the progression of your teeth over time. You'll be able to see how your teeth will look at different intervals of treatment, from start to finish. Your dentist then creates custom plastic aligners that will fit comfortably, and you'll come in every few weeks to have them changed out.

For more information on Invisalign braces for adults, contact an orthodontist at a location such as Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics.