Invisalign invisible braces in our Greenwood office is one of the most asked about cosmetic procedures. Our patients love the idea of gaining a more attractive smile without the use of metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign, straightening your teeth is a far easier and more comfortable process; one in which people will scarcely notice your dental appliance at all!
Eliminating the wires and brackets is only one benefit of Invisalign over traditional braces. Trays can be removed for eating and brushing and flossing, which enables patients to better maintain oral hygiene. Throughout the process, a patient simply wears trays as directed and changes them every few weeks. There is nothing complicated about Invisalign.
One question we hear from patients is whether or not a retainer should be worn after they complete treatment. A retainer is a dental appliance that is designed to hold your teeth where they are at a given point in time. You could liken it to the tray worn during Invisalign treatment, actually. After you’ve accomplished your goal for a straight and attractive smile, you want to maintain it, and a retainer is just the way to go. This device will keep your teeth from shifting. There are two types of dental retainers – fixed and removable.
A fixed retainer is bonded to the back of your teeth to prevent them from moving. Frequently used on bottom teeth, a fixed retainer is not visible when you smile or speak. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of tooth decay around the wire.
A removable retainer is made out of all plastic or may contain a combination of metal and plastic. This type fits over teeth and is visible, as the wire sits at the front of teeth. Many people wear removable retainers only at night due to this fact. Removable retainers can be taken out for eating, brushing and flossing, or for other reasons.
Once you’ve reached your ideal smile through the Invisalign process, you want to maintain it forever. Dr. Harty or Dr. Wilson can discuss the process of Invisalign and the available options for retainers with you, helping you decide on your most ideal alternative.
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