Did you wear braces as a kid? As an adult? Do you need braces?
I recently attended a blogging event that I got to learn about Invisalign. I personally never had braces as a kid, but I should have. It is something as an adult I have always thought about doing. However, even though Madison is only 9, she will eventually need braces. After going through the whole chipping of her tooth and her needing a retainer for a year (and yes, I blogged all about that!), I was told at that time that she'd be needing them in the coming years.
My memories of the metal braces are not good ones. I may not have had them, but I had friends who did. I also have a husband who had the metal braces. I remember them complaining about their mouths hurting and having eating restrictions. Invisalign showed me that there are other options out there!
Gone are the days of “wrap around” metal brackets, bonded brackets and big clunky head and neck gears. Invisalign & Invisalign Teen are two of the other choices. The Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit and they work as effectively as traditional metal braces. I have seen people wearing these, and you don't notice! It's basically invisible! Since the aligners can be removed, kids (and adults) can eat, brush and floss as they would normally. The cost of Invisalign is roughly about the same as traditional braces. However, the system usually requires fewer office visits, shorter appointments and no “emergency” visits for broken wires or brackets. Invisalign patients can start to see improvements and progress in as little as 90 days!
Now, not all dentists work with Invisalign, so you may need to use the Invisalign doctor locatorto find one in your area that does so you can get a smile assessment.
I will admit that I was impressed. The fact that Invisalign would cost me the same and do the same thing as regular braces makes this a no brainer for us when Madison gets braces. I would even consider these for myself!
Have you had Invisalign? What are your thoughts?