Having straight and properly aligned teeth is one way to achieve great dental health as well as a winning smile. Not everyone can be born with this, of course, which is why it's important to visit with a skilled Worcester cosmetic dentist. By doing so, you can find out if orthodontic treatment may be ideal for you and your needs.

There is an alternative to traditional braces that may be right for you, however. It's called Invisalign. Let's take a moment right now to look at the basics of Invisalign as well as the benefits and risks associated with treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign refers to a system of teeth straightening that uses a series of clear plastic aligners. These aligners are worn at all times except when a patient is eating, drinking, or cleaning his or her teeth. Over the course of a few months, the patient's teeth will become properly aligned as if that patient had undergone treatment with braces. Unlike braces, however, no one will be able to notice the aligners in place.

How does Invisalign work?

The Invisalign aligners are computer designed, taking into account the patient's current tooth alignment and how it can be changed incrementally. Patients receive a new aligner every two weeks, improving alignment bit by bit. Your cosmetic dentist in Worcester will ensure that your treatment is running smoothly all the while.

Benefits of Invisalign

The greatest benefit of Worcester Invisalign is that it is virtually undetectable. Many people refer to Invisalign as invisible braces because of this. In addition, the Invisalign aligners will not irritate the insides of the lips like the brackets and wires of traditional braces can. The aligners are also far easier to clean than the brackets and wires of traditional braces.

Since Invisalign aligners can be easily removed, people are able to play sports, engage in social functions, eat their favorite foods, and carry on with life as normal without any kind of drastic change or interruption.

Risks of Invisalign

There are very few risks associated with Invisalign. Perhaps the most noteworthy risk is the chance of losing aligners when they are out of the mouth, though we will give patients advice on how to keep tabs on their aligners and make sure they're well taken care of.

Best Candidates for Invisalign

The best candidates for Invisalign are teenagers and adults who have teeth that are misaligned or crooked. Invisalign is ideal for tooth misalignment issues not related to jaw issues or changes to the dental arch. These more advanced alignment problems will best be dealt with using traditional orthodontic care.

For minor cases of tooth misalignment, some patients may be best served with the use of porcelain veneers. These thin shells of dental ceramic fit on the front portions of the teeth and are more of a cosmetic dentistry solution than an orthodontic one. Yet the results can be so dramatic that people refer to porcelain veneers as instant orthodontics.

Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatments

To learn more about Invisalign and your many other options for advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact a Worcester cosmetic dentist today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health and a great-looking smile in the process.