Dealing with crooked teeth can be a challenge. Many patients have found that Invisalign® trays can provide the same results as standard orthodontics but with less force. In addition, this option is often faster and can even go unnoticed by others. The nature and design of the aligner trays make them an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
Traditional braces place a great amount of force on individual teeth to move them more quickly. Unfortunately, this can come with some unwanted side effects for certain patients. Invisalign® trays are designed to more evenly distribute force across all teeth and to do so gradually, which has many benefits.
Braces require metal bands, brackets, wires, and rubber bands to straighten teeth. The nature of these appliances can make them feel uncomfortable against the soft tissues of the mouth. The archwire, which spans across the front surface of the teeth, exerts the most force to move a wayward tooth back into the proper position. Rubber bands are used to attach the wire to the brackets and different strengths may be used on particular teeth for more pressure. These forces combined with regular adjustments can cause pain and discomfort for several days after appointments.
Invisalign® trays are made from a comfortable, lightweight material that does not irritate the gums, lips, or cheeks. The trays are replaced with a brand-new set every few weeks for the duration of treatment to help maintain a consistent, gradual shift towards proper alignment. This allows patients to avoid the abrupt pressure changes that braces often require, resulting in less pain and discomfort after appointments and throughout the treatment process.
The technology behind Invisalign® allows for more precision from start to finish. Aligner trays more evenly distribute a smaller amount of force on all teeth rather than exerting excess pressure on individual teeth. This approach often enables patients to complete treatment in a shorter amount of time, which means a straighter smile sooner.
Although it is relatively uncommon, the force and tooth movement caused by braces can sometimes lead to root resorption. During this process, an immune response is triggered that causes the body to dissolve the root structure of a tooth. There are many reasons root resorption may occur, including:
As a result, a tooth may become loose and, eventually, a total loss may occur. Invisalign® treatment is gentler on the teeth and root structures because the aligners use significantly less force than traditional braces. Therefore, the risks for root resorption are lower.
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Using excessive force with braces can be effective in straightening teeth. However, this approach can be more uncomfortable and lengthy, and may pose certain risks. Patients who choose Invisalign® for treatment can enjoy numerous benefits plus less force for an often faster and more comfortable experience.
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