When given a choice, would you choose metal wire braces or a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth? What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners designed to gently and gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made using SmartTrack, a flexible thermoplastic material.
Our expert dentist plays a crucial role in assessing suitability and creating treatment plans.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, advancements in modern orthodontics have made clear aligners a less conspicuous treatment option.
While the aligners may not be completely invisible, they are far less noticeable than traditional braces. Invisalign is a leading clear aligner therapy used by many orthodontic professionals.
Benefits of Invisalign
The biggest advantage of Invisalign is that it allows you to simply straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
They can also be easily removed for eating and brushing teeth, making them more convenient than traditional braces.
Moreover, the aligners have no irritating or uncomfortable brackets and bands that may cause pain or damage your soft tissues.
Patients are often pleased with the infrequency of checkup appointments because Invisalign requires fewer appointments than you would need for traditional braces, which makes it more convenient.
The treatment works in collaboration with patient compliance to ensure effective results.
It is important to consider practical aspects, such as not losing the aligners, as this can complicate the treatment process and lead to additional expenses and time commitments.
Which Type of Dental Issues Does Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign can be used to treat several orthodontic conditions, including crowded teeth, mild to moderate tooth misalignment, and spacing issues.
Other orthodontic conditions that can be treated with Invisalign include overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Invisalign is also effective in correcting various dental issues such as misaligned, chipped, or worn-down teeth.
It is also effective in treating gaps in teeth and adjusting a person’s arch. However, Invisalign may be less helpful when it comes to issues such as severe bite problems.
Patients can continue their normal oral hygiene routine by easily removing the aligners.
Creating a Customized Plan
Creating a customized Invisalign treatment plan involves a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth. Our dentists use expertise and advanced technology to scan your teeth and create a digital model of your smile.
This digital model will help our team identify the best course of treatment and create a personalized plan to correct any underbite, overbite, or other orthodontic issues.
The plan will outline the number of aligners needed, the duration of treatment, and the expected outcome. With Invisalign, you can receive a straighter smile in a relatively short period, usually within 12-18 months.
What's the Procedure For Wearing Invisalign?
Wearing Invisalign begins with a visit to our office for an evaluation and to create a 3-D image of the mouth and jaw.
The image created helps our team devise a plan to move your teeth into the correct place.
Supervision from trained orthodontists during the treatment is crucial to ensure the process is safe and effective.
Once a plan has been created, our dentist will use it to create a series of custom plastic aligner trays.
These trays will gradually shift your teeth into the desired positions by applying pressure on them. If your case is complex, the dentist may recommend switching your aligners with a new set every week or two.
Living with Invisalign
Living with Invisalign aligners requires some adjustments, but most people find it easy to incorporate them into their daily routines. You’ll need to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss.
When drinking coffee or other staining beverages, it’s best to remove your aligners to prevent discoloration.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and gentle on your cheeks and mouth, but you may experience some initial discomfort when switching to a new set.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and longevity. You should brush your aligners at least twice a day, using a soft toothbrush and mild soap.
It’s also essential to rinse your aligners with cold water after meals and snacks to prevent bacteria buildup. You can also use a cleaning solution specifically designed for Invisalign aligners.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prevent discomfort, bad breath, and other oral health issues. Additionally, you should visit our office regularly for check-ups and to monitor your progress.
With proper care and maintenance, your Invisalign aligners will help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
Is Invisalign Safe?
Invisalign is considered safe and effective for both adults and teens. The aligners are made of medical-grade invisible polyurethane plastic that’s very smooth and comfortable.
Our dedicated doctors bring years of experience and commitment to continuing education, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Also, the custom fit of each aligner ensures that your teeth will move slowly over time under constant pressure without putting too much strain on them.
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is not attached to teeth using wires and metal, thus eliminating the potential for mouth irritation or inflammation.