Dentistry and orthodontistry have made huge advances in the last twenty years. Previously, for patients wishing to straighten their teeth, the only option was to have uncomfortable and unseemly metal braces fitted for the best part of two years. For millions of teenagers this meant facing the embarrassment of braces during the most emotionally difficult developing years. For adults it meant facing the stigma that they were too old to wear them.
Then in 1999, Align technologies released their new line of clear plastic braces called Invisalign. Although there had been clear braces before, they had been at best only partially effectual due to the difficulties of producing them. Invisalign retainers are made from one millimeter thick clear plastic that are almost invisible unless standing very close to the patient. Furthermore, they are manufactured using the very latest computer aided design and 3D technology. Dentists can use digital x-rays to project an image of the patient’s teeth onto a computer. This image is incredibly accurate and enables manufacture to a similar standard of accuracy.
The Invisialign system involves wearing a series of retainers, each with a slight adjustment, to move teeth into the desired straightened position. On average, about twenty sets of retainers will be required, although this can vary depending on the patient, which are replaced every two to three weeks.
Invisalign also has the advantage of being completely removable, which means that unlike the traditional metal braces, they can be removed when eating. This allows patients to eat exactly what they want without any of the associated mess.
Invisalign braces may not be suitable for all patients, but those who use the system gain the full benefits of discreet teeth correction with a minimum of discomfort and loss of confidence. Dentists in Birkenhead will be able to assess whether you are suitable for the Invisalign system and advise on how long the treatment is likely to last.
Tags: invisalign, Invisible braces, metal braces, orthodontics, retainers