Can Adults Straighten Their Teeth? What to Know

If you’re an adult with misaligned teeth, very likely you’ve resigned yourself to the idea that your teeth will always look this way. But what if you could change your teeth by making them straighter?

You can! Adults have many tools at their disposal to help straighten their teeth and help them achieve their goals for their smile. As your dentist in Grand Island, NE, we can help! Here’s what you need to know about straightening your smile as an adult.

Want straight teeth, but not the braces? Invisalign can help.

There are multiple options for adults who want straight teeth, but for adults who want straight teeth without the appearance of braces, Invisalign is the go-to tool.

Invisalign is made of clear plastic resin that fits over the teeth like a shield. Invisalign clear aligners straighten the teeth by pushing them gently into place. Once the teeth have been pushed into place with one set of aligners, the dentist swaps the aligners for the next set in the progression, until the teeth have been fully aligned.

Clear aligners work similarly to braces, by aligning the teeth in stages, but there are many advantages that clear aligners have over braces. Some examples:

  • Can be removed for eating. There’s no need to worry about food damaging your clear aligners, because you can take them out for meals.
  • Easy to maintain. Invisalign can be removed so the teeth and aligners can be cleaned before the aligners are put back in.
  • Subtle. Unlike braces, which are easy to see, Invisalign clear aligners are very difficult to see.
  • Comfort. Braces can cause small cuts in the mouth, but clear aligners will not.

How can I get started straightening my teeth?

Even as an adult, you can enjoy straight teeth. If you believe that Invisalign is right for you, the first step is to see your dentist to discuss straightening your teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

Are you interested in Invisalign in Grand Island, NE? Get started today. Call Gentle Dental Care to find out what you could do to improve your smile.

dentist-assisting-patient-wear-invisible-braces

What Is Invisalign? An FAQ

If you have crooked or crowded teeth, there are dental tools that can help you correct this problem. Invisalign is one such tool. If you’re interested in Invisalign for your teeth, you can correct the problem by seeing your dentist in Grand Island, NE. At Gentle Dental Care, we can answer your questions about Invisalign, and if you decide that Invisalign is right for you, we can make that happen. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is similar to braces in that Invisalign is designed to fit over your teeth and gently move them into proper alignment. Invisalign is different from braces in that it’s made from clear plastic that fits over each arch of teeth in your mouth. Invisalign is custom designed to fit you but is shaped so that your teeth must shift by increments every time you wear Invisalign. Over time, Invisalign can re-orient your teeth, so they’re straight and beautiful.

How does Invisalign compare to braces?

Invisalign may do the same work as braces, but Invisalign is very different from braces in appearance. Braces are made up of wires and brackets that are clearly visible on the teeth when you smile, while Invisalign is difficult to see. Up close, Invisalign is barely visible. From a distance, Invisalign is impossible to see.

How is Invisalign maintained?

Clean Invisalign with toothpaste (non-abrasive) and a soft toothbrush. Do this every time you brush your teeth. Rinse the Invisalign arches, then put them back in your mouth. Take out your aligners every time you eat.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign has many benefits over standard braces, although both can be used to achieve the same goals. Some benefits include:

  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to remove for cleaning your teeth
  • Can be taken off for eating, thus do not impact what you can and can’t eat
  • Can’t be seen easily
  • An effective way to straighten teeth that are crooked or crowded

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for Invisalign varies. Check with your insurance provider to find out if your policy will cover Invisalign in Grand Island, NE. If you have questions, you can also ask your dentist at Gentle Dental Care. We’re happy to help you navigate your insurance benefits.