As the holidays approach and the year comes to a close, we naturally tend to reflect upon the one that has passed and our milestones and achievements along the way.  One of the highlights for me professionally has been the surge of Invisalign I have seen in my practice.  And during this time of reflection I find I am asking myself what has been the driving force for this Invisalign up swell? 

It boils down simply to the advantages of Invisalign, of which there are many.  First, for those who are unfamiliar with Invisalign, it is a series of custom made plastic aligners that gradually move teeth into their desired position.  It is the competing orthodontic treatment option to braces, with a number of distinct advantages.  Let’s take a closer look at these.

1- Cosmetic: The esthetic nature of Invisalign is certainly its most attractive feature for patients.  The aligners are fabricated from a clear, thin plastic which is almost invisible when worn.  And while some “attachments” or tooth colored shapes are placed on certain teeth to help with tooth movements, these are also barely noticeable as the aligners fit tightly over them.  The cosmetic nature of the aligners makes them especially attractive for adults, who might otherwise not consider orthodontic treatment if wearing braces was the only option.  It is also of great appeal to middle and high schoolers, who are often not keen on going through part of their adolescence wearing brackets and wires. 

2- Comfortable: Since the aligners are made of a very thin plastic, they are extremely comfortable.  Technological advances by Align Technology, particularly in recent years, has made the aligner material especially patient friendly from a comfort standpoint. Unlike braces, which can cause irritations on the inside of the mouth, the edges of the aligners are smooth so sores and discomfort are virtually non-existent.   This is particularly advantageous for adults, especially those who need to talk a lot during the day at work.

3- Removable: Unlike braces, which are glued to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable, which is a great benefit when it comes to both eating and brushing teeth.  While there are certain food restrictions with braces wear, Invisalign aligners are removed to eat, so diet is unaffected.  Additionally, the challenge of brushing and flossing with braces is real, so it is extremely desirable to be able to maintain a normal oral hygiene routine during Invisalign treatment.  This is great for younger children and teens who may have difficulty or lack of desire to brush and floss properly with braces.