Top Reasons to Choose Invisalign

Of all the areas of the body it can safely be said that our mouth, gums and teeth are given the most regular treatment. That’s treatment both at home, where we brush, floss and gargle regularly, and also at the dentist. Regular visits to a dentist are something we begin at an early age. This is because our teeth constantly change over the years. The first set of baby teeth are pushed out by the new teeth, which will remain with us throughout life. Teeth need to be kept clean, as otherwise bacteria can develop, and the results can be quite disastrous if left to get out of control.

However, it is not always the case that our teeth grow in a uniform fashion. This through no fault of the patient, it simply happens. The following problems can occur and may make the teeth appear ungainly and unattractive, as well as – in some cases – become uncomfortable:

• Underbite or overbite
• Misaligned teeth
• Open bite
• Cross bite
• Gap teeth
• Crowded teeth

All of the above may not only affect the way the teeth appear as some can affect how you eat and also speech. With most orthodontic problems correction can be achieved by fitting orthodontic braces. The traditional design using wires is rapidly becoming outmoded by new developments in the dentistry world that are known as Clear Aligners. These are designed to do the job while being easier to wear and practically invisible, and a popular brand is known as Invisalign.

The following article will show you where to go to find Invisalign in Wollongong and the surrounding area, but first we should look at braces on the whole and the benefits of Invisalign.

About Dental Braces 

You may be surprised to find out how long dental braces have been around for archaeological digs have discovered examples of crude wire braces on the teeth of mummified bodies going back thousands of years. Roman tombs have also been excavated with rudimentary braces on the bodies. It was in the 19th century – the era of the birth of orthodontics – that braces first became used in straightening the teeth. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that regular workable examples of braces came about, and the basic design of a paste solidified plate and wire cages continued in use until late in the 1970’s. 

While still used in some treatments today the traditional form of dental braces is being gradually replaced by the likes of Invisalign, which is one of a number of modern clear solutions that performs the job efficiently and with less discomfort. In the following section we will look at the benefits of using clear aligners such as those from Invisalign, and then we’ll advise you on the best way to find a dentist in Wollongong who uses this method. 

Benefits of Invisalign 

The need to straighten teeth is a medical one as much as it is cosmetic, a point we mentioned above. Misplaced teeth, undercuts and overcuts can make eating uncomfortable and difficult, and can even affect speech. For many people, an orthodontic problem results in a loss of self-confidence, which in turn can lead to stress, anxiety and depression, so it is important that an effective straightening program is put into place by a qualified orthodontist. It’s also vital that we remember this process can take place during childhood, in teenagers and also in adults. With youngsters the traditional braces could be a frightening prospect, and one that looked ungainly and attracted unwanted attention. That brings us to the first benefit of Invisalign – it is practically invisible when worn as it is completely clear. Let’s look at some further benefits of clear aligners:

• Invisible when in use where standard wire braces are noticeable and ugly
• Clear aligners are attached to a tray that can be easily removed for cleaning, whereas older style braces could not be removed easily and gathered debris
• Similarly, clear aligners such as those from Invisalign are designed to be removed when eating and drinking, making the process easy
• Food does not gather in the clear aligners as the teeth will be brushed and mouth washed before the tray is replaced
• Invisalign clear aligners are custom made to your teeth and are comfortable to wear as they do not scrape against the gums or tongue.

It’s fair to say from just the above that clear aligners are a major improvement in the teeth straightening and orthodontics world and make life far easier for the wearer and for the orthodontist or dentist carrying out the treatment.

It should be noted there will be a cost involved in dental treatment with clear aligners. This cannot be estimated as it will depend upon the individual involved and the level and length of treatment that they require. This is why we advise searching for a dentist or orthodontist with experience in the use of Invisalign clear aligners near to you and organise an initial consultation at which all elements, including the cost, will be confirmed.

Finding a Dentist 

We should add the cost of dental treatment in Australia is in line with that in the likes of the USA and the UK, and there may be insurance packages you can take out that enable you to cover some of the expenses of having clear aligners fitted for a specific reason. If you have a regular dentist, you should check with them in the first instance as to any such schemes they may be involved with.

If you don’t already have a dentist – perhaps you’re new to the Wollongong area and are looking to register – we advise you use a local search online, and also ask around friends, family and work colleagues for advice. This way you will get names of dentists and orthodontists you can trust and start your search in earnest.

Make sure that the dentist you choose is familiar with Invisalign clear aligners for added peace of mind.