Invisalign is a comfortable, easy to care for alternative to standard metal braces, one that works well to align your teeth correctly.
The Invisalign process works through a series of clear aligners that position your teeth. Your aligners are shaped based on the computer-generated images and impressions that your dentist takes.
How Invisalign Works
Less uncomfortable and more convenient than traditional metal braces, Invisalign’s aligners work by incrementally moving your teeth into straighter positions. The aligners are given to you as a series that changes slightly every time you put a new aligner in your mouth. With each tray change, your teeth are a little straighter, and each tray is shaped for teeth that are just marginally straighter than your teeth as the process takes place. The result is far more gentle than metal braces. Invisalign simply puts mild pressure on your teeth which will move them to match with each of the aligners gradually.
So, instead of using the fixed metal wires that traditional braces employ to pull teeth into their new and straighter position, Invisalign uses clear aligner molds to gradually shift your teeth so that they move into a better position as they fit the shape of each new aligner.
You’ll wear each individual Invisalign aligner set between one and two weeks, allowing the necessary time for teeth to gradually straighten.
Patients using Invisalign visit their dentist about once every six weeks. That way your dentist can make sure the treatment is going well and your teeth are progressively getting straighter.
Why Choose Invisalign?
There are many reasons to choose Invisalign over standard metal braces if they’re offered as a choice for straightening your teeth. For once thing, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable for patients than metal braces. And they are also more attractive! Made from clear plastic, they are practically invisible to others when you are wearing them.
Patients can also remove Invisalign trays for 2 to 4 hours every day. Metal braces of course cannot be removed, and must be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week even if they do feel uncomfortable.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Along with being more comfortable and attractive, Invisalign also takes less time to straighten your teeth than traditional metal braces do. Metal braces may take two full years to complete straightening, whereas Invisalign takes an average of between 6 and 18 months to straighten your teeth.
During the months you wear Invisalign, you’ll wear 20 to 50 different aligners. That number varies because you and your teeth are not the same as anyone else’s. Regardless of how many aligner trays are worn, the important thing is to be sure they’re in your mouth for the number of hours required daily. If you don’t do this, your teeth won’t move into the anticipated position, which can disrupt the use of the aligner trays, affecting their fit.
Dental Care During Invisalign Treatment
Along with wearing your aligners every day for the amount of time your dentist tells you, it’s also important that you take care of them properly. It’s easy to do.
First, just remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything other than water.
Second, remove your aligners to brush and floss twice daily.
Third, don’t forget to clean your aligners with a toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth, too.
Who Can Wear Invisalign?
The Invisalign process is effective for just about all ages, teens, adults, and many children, too.
Comfortable, easy to wear, unobtrusive, and providing a quicker process to teeth straightening compared to metal braces – that’s Invisalign. Just be sure that you are able to wear them every day as your dentist directs!
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, our experienced dental team is here. We can answer all your questions or easily schedule an appointment. Just reach out to us - we look forward to hearing from you!