How does Invisalign work?
Clear aligner therapy is a great option for orthodontic treatment for patients who do not require traditional wire and bracket braces. Invisalign is one of the leading clear aligner companies and have successfully straightened millions of smiles! If you are considering orthodontic treatment but do not want to deal with a mouth full of metal, Invisalign may be the right choice for you! Let’s take a look at how Invisalign works to straighten teeth.
Consultation for Invisalign
A lot of general dentists are a preferred provider for Invisalign clear aligner treatment. Your dentist will be able to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign or if your case is not appropriate for clear aligners. If you are a candidate, your dentist will continue your consultation with impressions of the upper and lower jaws, photos, and x-rays.
All of this information is sent to Invisalign and is used to create a computer animation that will show you step-by-step how your teeth will shift and move into their final position. When your dentist receives that information back from the design, they will have you and to review your case. At this time, it is important for you to discuss any concerns that you may have and ask any questions about treatment.
How Invisalign Works
A series of BPA-free clear, plastic aligners, or “trays”, are custom made to gradually shift your teeth toward their new position. The trays are worn for at least 22 hours per day for 10 to 14 days per set. You will remove them to eat and for oral hygiene but other than that, they should always be in your mouth.
If a tooth needs to be rotated or vertically shifted, choose colored attachments are affixed to the front of the tooth and the Invisalign tray fits over the attachment.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
As with any orthodontic treatment, the amount of time it takes to complete depends on how severe your case is. In general, Invisalign treatment can be completed between six and 18 months.
You will visit your dentist every 10 to 14 days to get a new set of trays and to make sure your treatment is tracking. You may be given multiple sets of trays that you can change on your own without making a trip to the office. Recently, orthodontic treatment through the mail has come on the market but the major benefit of Invisalign over in-home orthodontic treatment is the simple fact that it is monitored by a dentist.
Once your teeth are in place and you and your dentist are completely satisfied with your results, you will be given a set of final retainers to wear at night. For the first few months, you may have to wear them during the day as well.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Having a beautiful and straight smile that you are proud to show off is a great benefit of orthodontic treatment but orthodontia is not always about aesthetics. Teeth that are crowded and crooked are much more difficult to clean than straight and aligned teeth. This can cause patients to suffer from DK and periodontal disease which can lead to bigger issues down the road. Orthodontic treatment is a great way to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime!