If you are looking for the best way to straighten your teeth effectively, but you really don't want a mouth full of metal, your orthodontic specialists may recommend clear braces like Invisalign. Invisalign is a newer type of technology than metal braces, but it may be equally as effective as traditional braces if you are a good candidate for it. Keep reading to learn more about how Invisalign works - and how it may work for you.

The Invisalign Devices

The Invisalign devices are plastic retaining trays that are customized for each patient. When you decide to get Invisalign, the first thing that your orthodontic specialist will do is to make a mold of your teeth. The molds will then be sent off to a lab where the Invisalign trays will be made to the exact dimensions of your mouth.

Wearing Invisalign

The initial set of plastic retaining trays will be replaced after being worn for a couple of weeks. After that, your orthodontic specialist will generally continue to replace your Invisalign trays with new ones every two weeks. Usually, you will wear Invisalign virtually around the clock: 20 to 22 hours per day is average. You can normally remove the trays for eating and brushing your teeth. If you are a smoker, your orthodontic specialist may recommend removal of the Invisalign trays to smoke, as the cigarettes could potentially cause damage to the plastic trays.

Invisalign Advantages

The advantages of Invisalign include:

• No metal wires or brackets to cause damage to delicate mouth tissues

• No rubber bands to hold the trays in place, as they fit snugly over your teeth

• Invisalign trays are easy to clean

• Invisalign may be more aesthetically pleasing, since there is no metal marring the look of your teeth

Invisalign Disadvantages

Invisalign trays may not be right for everyone, which is the main disadvantage of this method of straightening teeth. If you have severe issues with the alignment of your teeth, for example a dramatic overbite or a serious underbite, the Invisalign trays may not be able to provide enough of a teeth correction for you.

Many adults who want to avoid the traditional "teenage braces" look may want to consider Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen for adolescents is also starting to gain in popularity. If you are interested in Invisalign, consider calling your local orthodontic specialists to talk about how this type of teeth straightening may help you.

For more information, contact Boland Orthodontics or a similar location.