Invisalign Invisible Braces May Be Best Option for College Students

For most students, college is a time for change. Some students move far from home and even study abroad, which makes it hard to stick to a dental or orthodontic routine. While having straight teeth would be nice, getting braces might not be practical for a changing lifestyle. Fortunately, Invisalign can help. This clear treatment offers flexibility and social benefits for college students who want straighter teeth before they enter the workforce. Check out these seven benefits of opting for Invisalign during your college years.

Students Don’t Have to Schedule Bi-Monthly Orthodontist Visits

One of the main reasons students put off fixing their teeth is because they’re frequently traveling between school and home and can’t commit to regular orthodontist visits. However, Invisalign offers added flexibility for the changing schedules of young people. “With Invisalign, your teeth are straightened using a series of aligners,” Dr. Dollins in Temecula, California writes. “Each aligner is worn for around two weeks and...you can switch out your aligners from the comfort of your home or dorm room.” Because you can switch the aligners on your own, you don’t have to visit the orthodontist every two weeks to have them checked. However, some orthodontists will prefer to see you regularly just to make sure you’re wearing your aligners and they’re working as they should.

Invisalign Has Additional Dental Benefits

While metal braces are socially uncomfortable in college, they can also be physically uncomfortable in your mouth. This can make students reluctant to fix their teeth. However, Invisalign is much more comfortable, although there can definitely be an adjustment period to start. On the other hand, “Invisalign braces don’t include any metal or wires that could cause damage to the inside your mouth,” the professionals at Orthodontics Limited write. “The clear braces are designed with a smooth finish so that they are no sharp edges that can cause you discomfort. Also metal braces have been known to accelerate [tooth] decay because of the enormous amount of pressure put on the teeth.” In fact, Invisalign provides significant restorative benefits for people who wear the aligners. The team at DocShop listed a few additional benefits to the clear correctors:

• Tooth wear and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) are reduced by treating overbite and underbite.
• Gum problems (like periodontal pockets and gum disease) can be reduced by correcting gapped teeth.

While metal braces also fix these problems, Invisalign treats them in a far less obvious way.

Caveat: Invisalign Requires Commitment to the Treatment Plan

While Invisalign is easier and more comfortable than metal braces, it does require an adjustment period. “Just like braces or other clear aligners, your first time wearing Invisalign clear aligners takes you some time to feel normal,” the team at Bauer Dentistry writes. “And just like metal braces, you will most likely talk funny for a short period of time.” However, if you stick with the treatment plan, you should adapt to the aligners and soon barely notice them. There is one piece of advice that many dentists pass on to patients considering Invisalign: the shorter treatment time and straightening benefits only work if patients wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Students who remove their aligners for hours or days at a time could see slower progress and experience more discomfort. “Invisalign’s success depends almost entirely on the beholder,” the staff at The Happy Tooth writes. “If you don’t wear them, they won’t work. With braces, you don’t have any choice in the matter!” Invisalign isn’t for everyone and for every case, but if you want straighter teeth without the pain of metal braces, consider this clear and flexible orthodontic option. Images by: michaeljung/©123RF Stock Photo, dickdonmedia , Greyerbaby , william87/©123RF Stock Photo