The Benefits of Clear Braces

When you think of braces, you probably picture the metal braces that have been used for years to straighten teeth. Although traditional clear bracesbraces work well, they can be uncomfortable and don’t exactly blend into the background. Today, there’s another option. Our La Plata, MD, dentists, Dr. Andrew Betaharon and Dr. Mark Hochman, discuss the benefits of Invisalign, a type of clear braces.

The clear advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign straightens teeth and corrects bite problems using a series of clear aligners designed just for you in our La Plata office. Each set of aligners helps your teeth gradually change position without wires or brackets. Aligners are worn for about two weeks before being swapped for a new set. Invisalign offers several important benefits including:

No Railroad Tracks: Your teeth won’t look like a miniature railroad when you choose Invisalign instead of metal braces. The clear aligners are molded to fit your teeth perfectly. The snug fit not only helps them realign your teeth but also makes them virtually unnoticeable.
Braces You Can Actually Remove: There’s no such thing as taking a break when you wear traditional metal braces. Because Invisalign aligners are removable they can be taken out if you’re playing sports or even if you just plan to attend a wedding, dance or another type of event. Although you can remove your aligners occasionally, it’s not a good idea to leave them out too long. They’ll be most effective if you wear them about 20 hours per day.
All the Popcorn You Want: Popcorn kernels get stuck in brace wires and are incredibly difficult to remove. For that reason, they’re on the list of restricted foods when you wear traditional braces. You’ll also have to avoid hard fruits and vegetables and gum and sticky candies. If you want to indulge in a little popcorn when you wear Invisalign aligners, you’ll simply remove your aligners and rinse and replace them when you’ve finished eating your snack.
Possible Shorter Treatment Time: Wearing Invisalign aligners may decrease your treatment time if you’re an adult. In fact, many adults only need to wear the aligners for about a year. You’ll wear braces for the same amount of time whether you choose Invisalign or traditional braces if you’re a teenager. While your treatment time won’t decrease if you’re a teen, you’ll probably find Invisalign to be a more comfortable, convenient option.
Are you ready to find out if Invisalign is a good choice for you? Call our La Plata, MD, dentists, Dr. Betaharon and Dr. Hochman at (240) 349-2439 to schedule an appointment.