Why Clear Aligners?
Philadelphia, PA
Invisalign® clear aligners are taking the nation by storm as the go-to alternative for traditional metal braces. These transparent aligners straighten your teeth secretly in about half the time braces need but cost almost the same. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Digital Scans
The Invisalign process uses 3D digital scanning, which is a painless, non-invasive technique that produces a 3D image of your teeth. Dr. James then uses this image to craft your aligners.
The alternative is tooth molds, which aren’t as comfortable and cause problems for patients with strong gag reactions. Compared to x-rays, digital imaging is considerably less invasive, but x-rays are often still used in the process. Computer-aided design (CAD) allows us to use an open environment, which is great for claustrophobic patients.
Straightening Crooked Teeth
Not only does Invisalign straighten crowded, crooked or gapped teeth, it also realigns teeth that don’t line up properly. If you have a misaligned bite, you’re at an increased risk for gum disease, erosion of enamel, tooth loss, cavities, and difficulty speaking and eating. Teeth are also at a higher risk for gum disease if they’re too close together or too far apart. But when they’re positioned properly, the gums firmly fit around them to ward off gum disease.
Straight teeth are also a sign of a healthy mouth. We can also stop other problems like bad breath, inflamed gums, sensitive teeth, and tooth chipping by straightening out your teeth. Invisalign corrects both immediate dental problems like misaligned teeth and the complications that misaligned teeth can cause.
Improving Dental Health
Misaligned teeth are more conducive to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. But when we straighten out your teeth, your overall dental health improves. By separating teeth that are crowded, we make it easier to brush and floss between them. We have this in mind when we craft your aligners.
Clear Aligners Are Transparent
Invisalign clear aligners are transparent aligners made of medical-grade polyurethane that apply gentle pressure to teeth to reposition them. That is, they do exactly what braces do only discretely and without metal brackets and wires. This transparency lends much to Invisalign’s popularity.
Invisalign Is More Comfortable Than Braces
Metal braces are not known for their comfort levels. But thanks to Invisalign’s smooth edges, they are much more comfortable. Clear aligners are designed especially for you as an individual. These aligners will slightly move your teeth horizontally, vertically, and will even rotate them. For this reason, Invisalign also offers a level of control braces cannot, as we can regulate and time the adjustment of your teeth more effectively.
Clear Aligners Are Removable
Clear aligners are completely removable. You need to remove them to eat, but you can eat whatever you want. This is perhaps their biggest benefit. Braces can’t do this, and they also get in the way when you brush and floss, even trapping food particles. Invisalign, on the other hand, gives you more access to your mouth due to its removability.
For more information about our treatments, please contact our office: (215) 800-0015.