The Role of Invisalign in Modern Orthodontics

The advent of multiple computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies has revolutionized orthodontic treatment. Advancements in diagnostic imaging, digital scanning, design, and manufacturing have made the development of clear aligner treatment technology possible.

In modern orthodontics, clear aligner trays, such as those used in the Invisalign system, have improved the treatment process and opened up the possibility of orthodontic treatment to a vast number of patients who, otherwise, would have never considered undergoing treatment with traditional metal braces.  

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system and a popular treatment alternative to other forms of treatment such as traditional metal braces, lingual braces, and ceramic braces. It can be used to address most minor to moderate cases of:

• Crooked teeth

• Crowded teeth

• Gapped teeth

• Malocclusion (open bite, overbite, underbite, and crossbite)

Invisalign uses a system of clear aligner trays designed to fit snugly over each arch of teeth. The trays exert gentle pressure on the teeth at specific angles to gradually shift the teeth into the proper alignment. Patients receive a custom-designed system of aligner trays.

From beginning alignment to final adjustment, the trays take the patient through a unique treatment journey designed to their exact specifications and anatomy. Each set of trays is worn for 22 hours per day for about two weeks before moving on to the next set of trays in the system. Once the patient has worn all of their trays, their bite will be comfortable and their smile will be beautifully straight.  

How Does Invisalign Compare to Traditional Braces?

Instead of using clear aligner trays to adjust the alignment of the teeth and position of the jawbones, traditional braces use a system of metal wires, metal brackets, and rubber bands. The brackets are bonded to the surfaces of the teeth, and the wires are adjusted periodically to shift the teeth toward their desired positions and alignment.  

Traditional, metal braces are quite conspicuous and require patients to follow fairly strict lifestyle, dietary, and oral hygiene changes throughout treatment.  

Revolutionizing Treatment: The Many Benefits of Clear Aligners

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign has completely revolutionized the treatment process of addressing orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, irregular tooth gaps, and malocclusion. As a result, clear aligner trays have made orthodontic treatment a viable and attractive option to many patients, especially adults who were deterred by the drawbacks of traditional metal braces.  

Patients undergoing treatment with clear aligners, instead of traditional braces, enjoy several benefits and advantages, including:

• Discrete Treatment - Invisalign's aligner trays are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. As a result, you can straighten your teeth and correct your orthodontic issues without any major impact (except positive changes) on the appearance of your smile.  

• Superior Comfort - Made of smooth plastic, Invisalign's aligner trays do not rub uncomfortably against the mouth's soft tissues. As a result, patients experience no sores or discomfort on the tongue, cheeks, or lips.  

• Minimal Lifestyle Changes - With no increased risk to the soft tissues, patients undergoing treatment with Invisalign can continue enjoying all of their favorite athletic activities.  

• No Dietary Restrictions - Invisalign aligner trays need to be removed when consuming anything other than water. This means that patients can continue enjoying all of their favorite foods during treatment - no matter how hard or sticky.  

• Easy Care and Oral Hygiene - Caring for your Invisalign trays and teeth during treatment requires no special tools. Simply brush and soak your aligners and continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual.  

Thanks to the benefits of Invisalign, orthodontic treatment has improved greatly, with patients having the option to straighten their teeth without the drawbacks of metal braces.  

Get a Beautifully Straight Smile with Invisalign in Murfreesboro

At Starbody Dental, we're proud to embrace the future, and we use some of the most advanced tools, technology, and techniques in our office to provide our patients with the best treatments available. If you have orthodontic problems that, for whatever reason, you have not yet addressed, we encourage you to consider treatment with Invisalign. Orthodontic issues not only impact the balance and symmetry of your smile, but they can also harm your oral health and well-being by increasing your risk of tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, bruxism, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).  

To learn more about treatment with Invisalign or to request an orthodontic consultation, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Murfreesboro today.

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