Straight Talk: Braces Then, Invisalign Now

Photo Source: Creative Mess

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, all views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. For more information, please feel free to go here

This is an x-ray of my daughter's upper set of teeth. As you can see from the x-rays she has not lost any of her baby teeth. Also, you can see that some of her baby teeth are overlapping and some barely touching. 

Now look at her adult teeth. Do you notice that some of her adult teeth are over lapping? 

After looking at these x-rays, I asked the dentist if I need to start saving up for my daughter to get braces. The response I received did not make me overly excited. The answer is yes. She will likely need braces due to the over crowding teeth. The dentist even recommended that she go see an orthodontist in the near future. Just lovely, right? Ummm.....NOT!

Braces? Ugh!!! The discomfort! I remember having to deal with braces on my top and bottom molars with the rubber bands attached to them. I had to wear retainers too. The whole thing was annoying. I had restrictions on what I could and could not eat. Stuff would get stuck in my braces and cleaning them was a pain in the you know what. My retainer constantly hurt my gums and half of the time they did not fit right. Sadly, neither of these methods did any good correcting my teeth! All of this discomfort was for nothing! To this day, I still have dental issues.

As you can imagine, I am already having concerns for my daughter. She has a beautiful smile that goes along with her personality. There is no way that I am going to let her lose that smile and loose confidence. However, the thought of her having a mouth full of metal... I can not imagine the pain and discomfort. Thankfully, things have changed dramatically since my days of braces for the better. Now adults and teens have a modern choice for correcting their teeth. There is an alternative to the old fashion metal braces, it is called Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is virtually a clear BPA free plastic aligners that gradually move teeth over time. The aligners are simply worn over your teeth. There are no metal brackets to attach and definitely no wires to tighten. Which means very little discomfort.

Where was Invisalign when I needed braces!?!?!

Well, how can I put this with out showing my age??? LOL!

I had my braces back in the late 80's. Invisalign was not readily available until 1999 and the Teen Invisalign division was developed in 2008. Luckily, for my daughter, she won't have to endure what I had to go through. Since I have been informed early on about her teeth, I can take necessary measures.

By the way - Did you know it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists to have your child's first orthodontic screening at age 7? This doesn't mean the child will get braces right away, but at least the orthodontist will know which problems are there and can start planning for treatment.  However, if all possible, it is best to wait for braces when all adult teeth are in.

As with any medical procedure, you always have the right for a second opinion if been told that you or your child is not a good candidate for Invisalign. Also, please keep in mind that not all dentists and orthodontists are certified to be Invisalign providers. It is best that you visit the Invisalign Doctor Locator

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

• Requires fewer office visit - Metal braces require more lengthy office visits for adjustments 
• No emergency visits for broken wires or brackets
• Minimal interference with sports or other activities - Teens are generally restricted from sports due to accidental related injury with metal braces
• No more soreness or discomfort days after the orthodontist appointments due to the tightening of the wires
• No food restrictions because the Invisalign is removable - Can not have certain foods including soda with the metal braces which is attached to your teeth.
• No more of the yucky impression molds of the teeth
• The ability to maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing because the Invisalign is removable - With the metal braces, you run the risks of plaque build up which can lead to tooth decay.
• The teeth gets straightened without people knowing that you are in treatment - With the metal braces, everyone will know.

Invisalign is only for mild cases, right?

Wrong. The good news is, Invisalign can effectively correct a broad range of difficult cases. Here are some photos of treatable dental problems.

Overly crowed teeth

Widely spaced teeth

Crossbite

Overbite

Is Invisalign for Me?

You can take the Invisalign Smile Assessment to find out if it is right for you or your child. Be sure to also use Invisalign Doctor Locator.

Another good news, in most cases the Invisalign cost is comparable to traditional braces! To find out more about the cost, visit the Invisalign website.

You can follow Invisalign on Facebook and on Twitter

Now that you have some information, please feel free to leave me a comment on what your thoughts are on Invisalign.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, all views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. This is not medical advice. It is recommended that you seek medical advice from a qualified doctor, dentist, or an orthodontist before making a decision.  For more information, please feel free to go to my disclosure page.