It wasn't that long ago that correcting crooked teeth meant the classic "metal mouth" braces. Some patients felt self conscious about the correction and avoided treatment. Avoidance was more common in adults, who think of braces as something for children. Today, Tampa dentists offer a new generation of clear teeth aligners such as Invisalign which provide an alternative for patients who don't want metal braces.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

The most common reason patients ask for Invisalign is cosmetic. When in place, they are very hard to see and most people don't realize the patient is wearing an orthodontic appliance. This has made them particularly popular with adults. However dentists point out there are other benefits over metal braces.

These aligners are removable during meals so patients can eat anything they want without worrying about it getting stuck in the braces. They can be removed before brushing, preventing plaque buildup in difficult to reach areas common to traditional braces. This results in less tooth decay than is seen in metal brace patients.

Invisalign treatments correct teeth faster than metal braces. A study in Indiana showed that Invisalign patients achieved desired results in half the time of patients with traditional bracing.

Problems with Clear Aligners

New patients experience minor pain when starting the treatment, which is not surprising because the teeth are being pushed into new positions. This pain fades after a few days and can be treated with over the counter pain relievers. It should be noted that patients who get metal braces also experience pain when the braces are first placed.

Since clear aligners are removable, their effectiveness is heavily dependent on the patient's discipline. Wearers must be dedicated to wearing them at all times except for prescribed periods such as during meals. This can be particularly difficult during the first week or two as the patient's mouth is getting used to the appliances.

Invisalign and related products are not suited for patients with very severe malocclusions. These cases will require other treatments such as metal braces or surgery.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Despite the potential minor problems mentioned above, most patients are very happy to use invisible aligners over standard metal braces. The cosmetic and functional benefits greatly outweigh any problems and as long as the patient is committed to the treatment, they work as well or better than traditional bracing.

The best one to help you make this decision is, of course, a dental professional. Many Tampa dentists have long experience with products like Invisalign and can advise patients considering the procedure. They can go into more detail about the treatment itself and what the patient's role is in the treatment. They can address any concerns you have and clarify any facts you might be confused by.

If you still have doubts, make an appointment with a Tampa dentist to discuss this procedure right away.