French dentist Pierre Fauchard is deemed by many as the inventor of modern-day orthodontics. Since his first invention in 1728, the industry has gone through many changes and improvements. One of the most recent and noted developments are Invisalign aligners. These unique braces were invented by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth and were first made available for purchase in the year 2000.

Today, these aligners are extremely popular and are becoming a new normal for many people. Now, this doesn’t take away from the many advantages and breakthroughs that have come at the hands of traditional wired braces. However, there are many reasons why people are continuing to opt for the Invisalign option.

Decreased Discomfort

One clear advantage of the clear aligners is their lack of wire and metal pieces. Sometimes parts of the wired devices break loose, either from normal wear or eating certain hard-to-chew foods. Depending on where the breakage occurs, it could cause discomfort or even moderate pain due to the potential for wires to pierce the gums and other areas of the mouth. Though temporary, this issue usually persists until the patient can see an orthodontist. With Invisalign, this is never an issue.

Remove with Ease

Another benefit of this modern tooth alignment option is its removable feature. The removability allows people easier access when it’s time to care for their teeth. They don’t have to floss and brush around wires and brackets. Instead, they can remove the clear aligners and brush and floss their teeth as usual, without having to worry about missing any important areas. So, when their treatment is completed, their teeth can be straight, as well as healthy.

Keeping Up Appearances

Invisalign is also the perfect choice for those who may be self-conscious about their looks. This isn’t to say that traditional braces automatically make people look unappealing. However, there are those who aren’t comfortable wearing the wired aligners, especially for individuals who work in certain professions where public image is important. Such jobs could include models, television personalities, public speakers, or even certain business professionals. They may not be interested in making such a significant change to their outward appearance. Therefore, the modern alternative would be a suitable choice.

On the other hand, there are teens and school-aged children who are already faced with the constant pressure to fit in and be accepted by peers. To avoid added pressure and stress, it may be a great idea for some children to wear braces that aren’t really visible.

Some people stray away from Invisalign braces because they tend to be a bit more expensive than the traditional option. The truth is the cost varies depending on how much work needs to be done.

Luckily, most insurance companies will cover a significant portion, or the entirety, of the expense of the treatment. With all of the advantages that clear aligners provide combined with the opportunity for financial assistance, more people should be taking this modern option into consideration.

Courtesy of ezinearticles.com by Anna Woodward