If you have finally come to a point in your life that you are ready to do something about your crooked teeth, you may still be a little apprehensive about the thought of living with braces for a couple of years. However, instead of getting traditional braces, consider the benefits of wearing clear aligners such as Invisalign instead.

1. Clear Aligners Lessen the Risk of Damage to Your Teeth and Gums

With traditional metal braces, the brackets that hold the wires in place adhere directly to the surfaces of your teeth. Because they remain there for as long as you have the braces, the enamel underneath may suffer some permanent erosion. Also, if the wires become loose, there is a chance that they could cut your gums, which then opens the tissues up to bacterial invasion and possible infection.

However, since clear aligners are trays that are custom fitted to be worn over your teeth, they are not permanent fixtures in your mouth. Instead of using brackets, you slide them on over your teeth. And, since they are made from a soft material and do not use wires, there is no risk of them coming dislodged and damaging your gum tissue. Clear aligners greatly lessen the risk of any permanent to your mouth.

2. Clear Aligners Are Removable for Short Periods of Time

If you opt for metal braces, they will remain in your mouth for the duration of the treatment. Because the wires and brackets can be dislodged, you will have to give up some of your favorite foods. Anything that is hard, chewy, or sticky could damage them. Also, since the braces are attached to your teeth, you have to work around them when you brush or floss. This can make your oral hygiene routine a little more difficult.

However, since clear aligners are trays that fit over your teeth, you can easily remove them for short periods of time. If you want to bit into a deep dish pizza or enjoy your grandmother's homemade holiday candy, you simply have to remove the trays. The aligners also make taking care of your teeth a little easier, as well. You can remove the trays, brush and floss your teeth, then rinse the aligners out before putting them back into place.

If you are ready to have your crooked teeth straightened, consider getting clear aligners over braces because they leave less of an impact in your mouth and allow you more freedom. To learn more about Invisalign, speak with a company like Eberting Orthodontics.