How Invisalign…

“Invisible Braces” Compare to Old-Fashioned Metal Braces

Invisalign has totally changed orthodontics. And it’s also changing the way that both teens and adults feel about getting braces. Do you remember having braces as a child, or hearing stories from others who did?

• Remember all those bulky metal wires and brackets?
• Remember how painful it was to have those wires tightened?
• Remember the food that would get stuck in your braces?
• Remember the sharp pieces that poked your gums and cheeks?
• Remember how hard it was to brush and floss?

Thanks to new breakthroughs in orthodontics, these once-common frustrations are now becoming distant memories.

What Is Invisalign?

At FUNtastic Dental & Orthodontics in Long Beach, Invisalign has become our most popular teeth-straightening solution – not just among kids, but also among moms and dads.  Often referred to as the “invisible braces,” this cutting-edge technology uses clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. There is no metal involved. No brackets. No wires to tighten.  Most importantly, unlike old-fashioned braces, these aligners are virtually invisible. Most people can’t even tell you’re wearing them. But the “invisibility” isn’t the only reason why this option is so popular. As we reveal below, Invisalign has several key advantages over braces, beyond just appearance:

- Comfort
– Effectiveness
– Brushing & eating flexibility
– Ability to remove the aligners at any time
– Cost

How does Invisalign work?

Parents searching for Invisalign in Lakewood, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and surrounding areas constantly come to our Long Beach office to ask how it works. The basic principles of correcting bite and jaw problems are still at work with Invisalign. However, the technology is radically different. Here’s how the technology works:

- You receive a series of custom-made aligners
– The aligners are like trays that fit over top of your teeth
– The aligners are made of smooth, clear, comfortable plastic
– Over time, these aligners gradually and gently shift teeth into their correct place
– You simply pop in a new set of aligners about every two weeks That’s it! It’s a very simple treatment that produces outstanding results for both children and adults: everybody leaves with a bright, healthy smile.

Invisible Braces vs. Standard Braces

Let’s take a closer look at how these aligners compare with old-fashioned braces.

• Effective treatment of a wide variety of problems
  Invisalign corrects a wide range of issues that braces do, including: spacing, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and crowding.

• Teeth-straightening ability
  Along with the common issues above, invisible braces also scores big for its teeth-straightening performance. The modern technology straightens teeth just as effectively – without all the uncomfortable metal in your mouth.

• Similar cost
  Many people are often surprised to learn that “invisible braces” cost about the same as metal braces, on average.

• Your ability to eat different foods
  With regular braces, many foods must be avoided to prevent damage to the device. But with Invisible braces, you can enjoy all the foods you love. How is this possible? See the next advantage below.

• Ability to remove the device at any time
  Invisible braces can be removed at any time – whether it’s to enjoy a quick hard snack, floss, or “just because.” Braces, on the other hand, are locked into place and can only be removed at the end of treatment.

• Appearance in the mirror
  This is a very important issue for both teens and adults. If you or your teen is extremely anxious about how you’ll look with braces, then it’s time to look past the old-fashioned metal wires and brackets.

• Ability to brush and floss normally
  With braces, flossing is virtually impossible, and your brushing habits change too. But since invisible braces can be removed at any time, you can continue to brush and floss as you always have.

• Metal vs. plastic
  The braces people wore years ago haven’t changed that drastically. They’re still metal. They still pinch and poke. They’re still bulky. But today’s “invisible” solutions offer a less irritating and more comfortable option, made of smooth plastic.

• Fewer trips to the orthodontist
  Most braces need to be re-tightened and adjusted by the orthodontist every two weeks. With Invisible braces, you receive up to six weeks’ worth of aligners, significantly reducing the number of visits. This is particularly helpful for highly active teens or adults with busy schedules.

Learn more about Invisible Braces at FUNtastic Dental in Long Beach

If you’re comparing teeth-straightening options for your child or yourself, call Dr. Stella at FUNtastic Dental & Orthodontics. We’ll gladly answer your questions and help you choose the right solution. FUNtastic Dental is like no orthodontist’s office you’ve seen before. We offer a fun, inviting environment for all ages, and we are focused on Pain-Free Dental Care. Call us or stop by to learn more about our “Dental Theme Park,” complete with games, movies and other fun features loved by kids and parents alike.

Call 562-627-8800 to learn more about Invisalign.