The Benefits of Invisalign Over at Home Methods

Have you thought about trying to fix your own teeth using at-home methods? 

While at-home methods for straightening your teeth are seemingly harmless and certainly less expensive, DIY orthodontics can be downright dangerous. When it comes to your oral health, working with a professional is extremely important.

If you’ve struggled with oral health problems owing to teeth that aren’t straight, you might consider a number of options. But once you’ve read the benefits of Invisalign, you’re sure to understand why this is one of your best options.

Keep reading to learn more about why the choice between Invisalign and at-home methods should be as clear as glass.

At-Home Straightening Methods

The most well-known do-it-yourself method of straightening your teeth involves taking an impression of your teeth with a putty in your own home and sending it to a company. The company then sends the set of aligners to your home, and the DIY orthodontics begins!

The Consequences of At-Home Methods

The chances of actually affecting the alignment of your teeth with at-home methods are very low. Beyond that, you can cause serious damage. First, a dentist is not present to ensure you are a candidate prior to treatment beginning. For example, if you have severe periodontal disease and try to shift teeth, you could end up losing them. If you are taking a bisphosphonate medication for osteoporosis, you could cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (literally, bone death). Without a professional monitoring your treatment, you could cause irreversible TMJ damage, irreversible bone damage, irreversible tooth damage, and permanent tooth loss.  

Remember that moving your teeth is a biological process. Not only are you moving your teeth, but you’re also involving your bones, which is why the safest way to straighten your teeth is under the supervision of an educated and experienced dentist.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces. It is removable, comfortable, and virtually invisible. It is a highly efficient plastic tray that moves teeth predictably in the fastest and safest way possible by applying a gentle but consistent force that maintains its elasticity long after other plastics have lost theirs. A digital scan is used instead of gooey impression material, which is about 4x more accurate than the impression, thereby giving us a better fit and a more predictable end result. 

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is both cosmetic and contributes to better oral health. It not only straightens teeth to create a more beautiful smile, but better alignment also gives you health advantages that affect your entire body. To learn more about the benefits of Invisalign, keep reading below.

Discretion

Invisible. Many people choose Invisalign because it’s so discreet. Also called “invisible braces,” the plastic they’re made of is completely clear. In most cases, you can’t see the alignment trays while you’re wearing them – meaning your smile isn’t compromised while it’s being fixed!

Removable. In addition, Invisalign is removable. Although you should only remove them to eat, floss, and brush, it’s possible to pop them out when needed, and it makes it easier to care for your mouth!

Comfortability

The alignment trays are less than one millimeter thick and slide comfortably over your teeth so you hardly even notice that they’re there! This is far less invasive than the metal brackets and elastic rubber bands that traditional braces employ.

Rapid Results

Your aligners are typically changed every one to two weeks to keep your teeth moving in the desired direction, and your progress is checked by a professional approximately every two months (this can be done virtually, too!).

If you can stick to the schedule and remember to keep your aligners in as often as they need to be, you’ll likely only need between 10 and 20 aligners to fix your problem. Along with a “supercharge” of the teeth, most of our patients complete their Invisalign treatment within 3-6 months! 

Health Benefits

Unlike home methods that actually compromise your health and can cause potentially irreparable damage, Invisalign is completely safe and FDA-approved. But on top of their safety benefit over at-home methods, they can also bring additional health benefits.

For example, abnormal bites can cause oral health issues like tooth loss, gum infection, cavities, periodontal disease, tooth wear, sensitivity, and bad breath! By fixing a non-ideal bite, Invisalign prevents these oral health issues!

Get Invisalign From an Experienced Dentist in Richmond, VA

At-home methods simply aren’t safe. You should never try to straighten your teeth without the oversight of a dentist. Luckily, Invisalign is a safe and affordable alternative to metal braces, with a multitude of benefits, including comfort, discretion, and rapid results, and can give you better oral and overall health. If you’re looking for a beautiful, healthier smile, contact us with any questions or book an appointment to get started.