Getting Adult Braces? Here’s Why You Should Use Invisalign
Every year, around 1 million adults in the United States make the decision to get braces. The reasons are diverse, but two common reasons stand out: the pursuit of that dazzling smile they've always dreamed of and the desire to improve oral health, as straighter teeth are easier to maintain.
However, for many adults, especially those with public-facing jobs, the thought of sporting traditional braces can be intimidating and even embarrassing. Fortunately, there's a clear solution to this dilemma. Read on to discover why adults are falling in love with Invisalign and where you can find the best Invisalign dentist in Miami Beach for your orthodontic treatment needs.
The Difference Between Invisalign and Traditional Metal Braces
While both Invisalign and traditional metal braces aim to straighten teeth and improve oral health, they differ significantly in their approach, appearance, and patient experience.
To understand the differences, it’s best first to understand how each treatment works: Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made for each patient, while traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires fixed to the upper and lower teeth. These fundamental differences lead to several distinctions in the treatment process. The biggest differences in how these two options compare include:
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are made from transparent materials, making them nearly invisible when worn. This discreet appearance is a significant advantage for adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces. In contrast, traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are clearly visible on the teeth.
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth medical-grade plastic, and custom-fitted to your teeth. This design minimizes irritation to the cheeks, gums, and tongue, providing a more comfortable experience throughout the treatment. Traditional braces, on the other hand, feature metal components that can sometimes cause discomfort, particularly in the early stages of treatment or after adjustments.
- Removability: One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Patients can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for greater flexibility and easier tooth brushing. Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient, making certain activities more challenging and requiring additional care and attention to oral hygiene.
- Food restrictions: With Invisalign, there are virtually no food restrictions. Since the aligners are removed before eating or drinking anything other than water, patients can enjoy all their favorite foods without concern. Traditional braces contain a list of foods to avoid, including sticky, hard, or chewy items that could damage the brackets or wires.
- Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is generally easier with Invisalign since the aligners can be removed, allowing patients to brush and floss their teeth normally without any obstructions. With traditional braces, oral hygiene can be more challenging as food particles can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, requiring special tools and techniques for effective cleaning.
- Adjustments: Invisalign treatment time typically involves changing to new aligners every one to two weeks, which is usually done at home. This means fewer visits to the orthodontist are required — making the entire treatment process more convenient for busy adults. Traditional braces require regular in-office visits for adjustments and tightening of the wires every four to six weeks.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that is highly effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned bites, including overbite and underbite
- Crooked teeth
However, clear aligners are unsuitable for complex orthodontic conditions like severe misalignments and issues with the jaw. In these cases, traditional braces remain the go-to option. Some dental issues may require additional orthodontic treatments before moving the teeth — such as palate expanders.
How to Care for Invisalign Clear Aligners
Caring for Invisalign clear aligners is straightforward but essential for maintaining the integrity of the aligners and ensuring oral health and treatment success. Important things to remember when it comes to caring for your aligners include:
- Removing aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage to your aligners
- Clean aligners daily using lukewarm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding hot water, which can warp the plastic
- Use the Invisalign cleaning system for thorough sanitation
- Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting the aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria
- Store your aligners in their case when not in use to protect them from damage and keep them clean
- Avoid using toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents on your aligners, as these can scratch the surface and make them more visible
Lastly, remember to follow the recommended wear time, typically 20-22 hours per day, to ensure optimal results.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Miami for Invisalign
Dr. Tommy Gaertner stands out as the premier dentist in Miami, offering unparalleled expertise and a patient-centered approach that sets him apart in the field. With a rich family background in dentistry, Dr. Gaertner has been immersed in high-quality dental care from an early age, fostering a deep passion for and extensive knowledge of dentistry. His commitment to excellence is evident in his ongoing pursuit of education, regularly attending continuing education courses and local study clubs to stay at the forefront of dental innovations.
Dr. Gaertner's specialized training in dentistry under world-renowned experts has honed his skills in cosmetic procedures, allowing him to enhance the smiles and self-esteem of numerous patients, including athletes, models, and music personalities. His multilingual abilities in English, French, Hebrew, and Dutch enable him to provide optimal care to a diverse patient base, while his gentle demeanor puts even the most anxious patients at ease.
Notably, Dr. Gaertner's expertise in Invisalign treatment has made him a go-to choice for adult patients seeking orthodontic care — often opting for Invisalign due to its comfort and discreet nature and Dr. Gaertner's ability to deliver outstanding results while helping his patients maintain their professional appearance.
Dr. Gaertner embodies the gold standard of dentistry in Miami with his contemporary perspective, valued experience, and unwavering commitment to patient satisfaction.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey with the number-one-rated dentist in Miami?
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