![Woman putting in an Invisalign aligner](https://www.olberdingdental.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AdobeStock_351658232-4-1.jpeg)
Traditional braces can directly and indirectly put limits on various aspects of your everyday life. In comparison, Invisalign offers a lot more freedom, which is why many people prefer it as an option for correcting their dental alignment problems. What exactly are the freedoms that you will enjoy if you choose to pursue an Invisalign treatment? Here are 4 of the most notable examples.
1. Freedom to Eat All of Your Favorite Foods
When you wear braces, you will be told to stay away from any foods that could potentially damage the brackets and wires. Popcorn, taffy, and hard candies are all examples of foods that you will be told to stay away from during the orthodontic process.
However, with Invisalign, there are no diet restrictions. This is because the aligners won’t actually be in your mouth while you’re eating; you can simply take them out and put them in a case while you enjoy your meal or snack.
2. Freedom to Confidently Socialize with Others
Braces can potentially take a toll on your self-esteem, which in turn could affect your social life. You may find that you’re more reluctant to interact with others because you’re worried about their attention being drawn to the unsightly pieces of metal on your teeth.
Invisalign can help you feel much more confident in social situations. The see-through aligners are virtually invisible when worn, so most people won’t notice them unless they already know that they’re there. Thus, you can speak to new people and head to important social events without having to worry about your appearance.
3. Freedom from the Discomfort of Brackets and Wires
Some discomfort is to be expected regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose. That being said, traditional metal braces come with the additional downside of having brackets and wires that can irritate or scratch the soft tissues inside your mouth.
Meanwhile, the surface of an Invisalign aligner is completely smooth. As such, it will not irritate your gums or the inside of your cheeks. Many patients find that Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than traditional braces.
4. Freedom to Show Off Your Smile Earlier
The process of straightening your teeth is very gradual. However, it’s hard to fully appreciate the improvements being made while you’re still wearing braces, as the brackets and wires draw attention away from your teeth.
With Invisalign, it’s much easier to get a good look at your smile. That means that you will be able to see the improvements in the alignment of your teeth over time. And when you’re happy with the way your grin looks, you’ll be much more likely to want to show it off.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding earned his dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, and he continues to expand his dental knowledge through Spear Education. His Lincoln practice, Olberding Dental, provides Invisalign clear aligners for patients who want to achieve straighter smiles without braces. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Olberding, visit his website or call (402) 488-2325.