Traditional braces definitely have their time and place and necessity, but with time and technology come evolution and advancement. Others had tried brackets on the inside of the teeth to avoid the “metal mouth” appearance and found out that they broke often as well as maintenance was very difficult, the proof shows in the images below:
In 1997 another idea called “Invisalign” was conjured up in a garage in Menlo, Californina. As we all know, things started in garages seem to work wonders. When Invisalign hit the market it took off running and has not slowed its pace. Between 2008-2012, there has been a reported 2 million cases completed and those numbers are increasing everyday. Although there is still a need for traditional bracket braces due to more difficult cases with correction needs, currently Invisalign can easily tackle the mild to moderate cases. The best scenario from a hygienist’s standpoint is the fact that the clear tray can be removed to clean the teeth so brushing and flossing are more effective and patients are definitely more compliant. The patient is given a few trays at a time and per the dentist’s treatment plan, will trade out for a new set every 1-2 weeks. It is that simple! Not only are there cosmetic benefits to having any sort of orthodontic treatment, but there are also health benefits to having straight teeth. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, when teeth are crowded they are able to trap more debris and bacteria which can lead to diseases such as cavities and periodontal disease. Another important reason to correct alignment of the teeth is to preserve our tooth structure and jaw joint (TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint.) When our teeth are positioned properly we will not wear down the enamel or cause undue stress to the joint. Maybe it is time for you to consult with the professionals at ABD to see if Invisalign is the right choice for you!
