Crooked, crowded, or uneven teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. They can affect your oral health, too, raising your risk of premature tooth damage, TMJ/TMD, and more. But what are your options for straightening your smile if you don’t want to get braces in Boone, NC?
At Mountaineer Dental and Sleep Center, Dr. Julie Snyder and our dentists are here to help. With Invisalign at our office, you can get a beautiful, straight smile without the unsightly appearance, discomfort, or inconvenience of traditional metal braces.
Instead of using wires, brackets, and elastics to straighten your teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic “aligners” or “trays.” These look sort of like a retainer. Each aligner is custom-built to place pressure on your teeth and move them toward the proper position, just like braces.
Unlike braces, Invisalign blends in perfectly with your teeth, so they're barely noticeable when worn. This lets you straighten your teeth without the obvious appearance of traditional braces, which is particularly good for older adults who would prefer a more subtle alternative.
In order to work properly, Invisalign must be worn for between 20-22 hours per day. And unlike braces, Invisalign doesn’t require adjustments. Instead, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners about every two weeks or as instructed by Dr. Julie Snyder.
It’s important to note that Invisalign isn’t ideal for every patient, though. While it’s appropriate for most minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues, traditional braces may still be a better choice if you have very crooked teeth or severe bite problems.
The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that it won’t affect your appearance. Invisalign trays are made from super thin, transparent plastic. They fit perfectly over your teeth, and they are almost completely invisible when worn. Unless you choose to tell them about it, it will be nearly impossible for other people to notice that you’re straightening your teeth!
You can take your Invisalign trays out for meals and snacks. This means that, unlike with braces, there are absolutely no dietary restrictions. You can eat whatever you want. Invisalign also makes it easier to do other activities like playing musical instruments and sports without worrying about braces.
Brushing and flossing can be challenging with braces, but since Invisalign is removable, you’ll also have an easier time cleaning your teeth and gums. That means it’s easier to protect your oral health during treatment, which is always a good thing.
Both braces and Invisalign cause some discomfort as your teeth move. That’s unavoidable. But overall, Invisalign tends to be more comfortable. Not only does it move teeth more gently, but it also is free of any pointy, sharp metal components that could irritate your mouth.
Invisalign usually takes between 12-18 months for most patients. In contrast, braces require at least 18 months of treatment for most adults. This means that in most cases, you’ll be able to straighten your smile more quickly if you choose braces.
If you’d like to straighten your teeth and aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in Boone, NC, Dr. Snyder and our team of dentists are here to help. With our years of expertise in Invisalign, we can help you decide if this treatment is right for you. And once you’re approved, we ensure a smooth and convenient treatment experience with fantastic results.
So don’t wait. Take the first steps toward a healthier and more confident smile with Invisalign. You can give us a call at (828) 265-1112 to schedule your orthodontic consultation or contact us online to book your visit with one of our expert dentists in Boone, NC.
Call 828-265-1112 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.