At Kahan Orthodontics, we believe that no one should have to be embarrassed by their smile. Whether they are discolored, stained, or misaligned, the advancements in dentistry have made it extremely simple to make your smile look beautiful. Originally, orthodontic treatment was limited to braces, but today we have new and exciting ways to make the entire process as convenient as possible. One of these methods is Invisalign in Encino.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Invisalign treatment falls under the cosmetic dentistry category of dentistry. This means that it is not necessarily required to maintain good oral health. Cosmetic dentistry puts more of a focus on the appearance of your teeth instead.
That is not to say that cosmetic dentistry doesn’t indirectly impact your health, however. When your teeth are severely misaligned, it can make your brushing and flossing routine much more difficult. The crooked teeth can create areas that are harder to reach, leading you to miss spots, resulting in decay and cavities.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the treatment of crooked and misaligned teeth. We will be able to create a plan to shift and maneuver your teeth to form a more uniform and straighter smile. There are multiple different methods to achieve this goal. The most common method in the past has been traditional braces.
With braces, the orthodontist will apply brackets to the front side of your teeth, which will be bonded with a special adhesive. This is not something you can remove on your own. These brackets will stay there until the treatment is over.
A popular alternative to braces is Invisalign treatment, which is still able to straighten your smile without most of the discomfort and inconvenience.
What is Invisalign?
Did you know someone you talk to could be wearing Invisalign and you wouldn’t even know? Invisalign treatment uses a set of clear aligners that snuggly fit over your teeth. They are custom-made to fit your smile, and we switch them out occasionally to gradually move your teeth into their correct positions.
The great thing about them is that they are nearly invisible to the eye. Chances are that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them unless you tell them.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Last?
Like other orthodontic treatments, the treatment time for Invisalign can vary based on the severity of your misalignment issues. It will take a lot longer to move them into place if they are all over the place compared to being slightly crooked. In fact, if your case is extreme, we might even recommend the route of choosing traditional braces instead.
We will go over all your choices and an estimated timetable during your consultation appointment. It will also be the perfect opportunity for you to bring up any questions or concerns you might have about the process.
How Does Invisalign Compare to Other Treatments?
Removable
The biggest difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is the ability to remove them. While you’ll need to wear Invisalign practically at all times, removing them when brushing and eating will make your life a lot easier.
More Comfortable
Probably one of the most annoying things about traditional braces is the uncomfortable poking caused by the brackets and wires. Sometimes the metal brackets can rub up against the inside of your cheek, causing discomfort. Similarly, the wires can occasionally go beyond the final bracket, giving you the sensation of being poked when you move your mouth.