Crooked teeth are often seen as a cosmetic issue. But they can impact your oral health as well. Invisible braces can be a solution for your crooked teeth. Dr. Andrew C. Cobb, a provider of cosmetic dentistry in Washington DC, highlights the benefits of invisible braces.
What are Invisible Braces?
At our dental office, we offer Smart Moves® invisible braces. Similar to Invisalign, Smart Moves® uses an aligner system to slowly move your teeth into position. However, Smart Moves® uses a two-part aligner system that sets them apart.
The first aligner is made of flexible soft plastic to provide comfort and teeth movement. A hard Invisacryl™ liner is then added to help with retention and minor movement.
Invisible Braces Benefits
Particularly as adults, patients like to avoid traditional metal braces if possible. They’re very obvious on the teeth and there’s no hiding that they’re there. With the clear plastic used with Smart Moves®, it’s hard to see that they’re on the teeth unless someone is really looking for them.
The aligners are also designed specifically to fit each patient. With the material they’re made out of, they’re meant to be more comfortable for you. Metal brackets and wires of traditional braces often irritate the inside of your lips and cheeks. Wax is used to try to prevent that from happening. Aligners don’t have that problem, and they’re designed for your specific smile so they don’t irritate the gums either.
Braces are permanently fixed to your teeth until the treatment time is up. You have to avoid certain foods that can break or get stuck in your brackets or wires. While you have to wear clear braces for the majority of the day, you can take them out to eat. You don’t have to remove your favorite foods from your diet.
Being able to remove the aligners means that taking care of oral hygiene is easier as well. Traditional braces require you to learn how to make sure you’re keeping small nooks and crannies clean because of the wires and other equipment. You’re able to just take out your clear braces and brush and floss like you normally would, without any extra curveballs.
The Invisible Braces Process
Invisible braces are designed to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns for patients of all ages. We’ll do a comprehensive examination of your teeth and talk to you about what your cosmetic goals are to determine if you’re a good fit. We want to make sure you’re getting the smile you want.
Impressions are taken and the aligners are custom-made from your smile. You’ll change them every few weeks to slowly move your teeth into the right alignment, wearing them about 22 hours per day. You’ll have regular checkups with us to make sure things are progressing the way they should.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Washington DC
Make sure you have a smile that you’re proud to show off. Call us or schedule an appointment online.