How does Invisalign work?

If you’ve been wanting straighter teeth but aren’t interested in cumbersome metal braces, Invisalign might be a worthwhile investment for you. As their name implies, Invisalign aligners are designed to be nearly invisible. Custom made for your teeth, Invisalign aligner treatment consists of a series of aligning trays, made of clear, BPA-free plastic. These trays are manufactured so that each tray is slightly more perfectly aligned than the previous tray, allowing the trays to gradually and gently shift your teeth into place. You will receive a new set of trays every two weeks; each tray will move your teeth about .25 mm, and treatment usually takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Invisalign has grown increasingly popular since its innovation about 20 years ago, and more and more dentists and orthodontists are training in Invisalign technique and gaining valuable experience, so make sure you find a dentist who specializes in Invisalign.

Following an initial consultation, your dentist will digitally scan your mouth and create a precise, custom 3D map of how your teeth will move throughout treatment. Your custom-made Invisalign aligners will be crafted based on these digital images. Invisalign aligners are made of BPA-free plastic that is smooth, virtually clear, and comfortable. Every two weeks, you will get a new set of aligners, until your teeth have completed their shift and are perfectly aligned. Invisalign aligners are carefully engineered to control not only the force that is placed on the teeth, but the timing of the application of that force. As your dental specialist digitally maps your treatment plan, they will design a series of aligners that move only a few teeth at a time, which helps lead to gentle, gradual treatment. The average duration of Invisalign treatment for adults is about 12 months, though this timeline will vary based on the severity of your alignment needs. Among teenaged Invisalign wearers, the duration of treatment can vary more significantly, as more factors contribute to the duration. In all cases, your dental specialist will work closely to customize a treatment plan that is individualized to meet your specific needs. If it is deemed necessary, your dental specialist may augment your teeth with tooth-colored composite material that helps the Invisalign aligners better grip the teeth, making the treatment process more efficient.

While there are some more-serious orthodontic issues that cannot be corrected with Invisalign treatment, many common concerns, like gaps, overbites and underbites, and overly crowded teeth can be effectively treated with Invisalign. These issues may seem merely cosmetic, but they can have an adverse effect on dental health. If you have gaps in your teeth, you are likely to have unprotected gum tissue that can more easily develop periodontal disease. Crowding can also lead to dental-health problems, as it can be challenging to floss between overly crowded teeth which leads to excessive plaque accumulation, which can then, in turn, lead to cavities. Invisalign can fend off these larger health problems by correcting your dental alignment. Invisalign is also compatible with your daily routine. You will take them out to clean them in the morning and the evening, brushing them as part of your regular oral hygiene routine. You should also remove Invisalign before eating, which allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about breaking a brace or getting debris trapped in metal. Invisalign is also ideal for people who play contact sports, especially if you would normally wear a mouthguard, as they are easy to remove and replace, unlike braces.

In addition to convenience, Invisalign has many other benefits. One perk is that you will be able to see a digital image of what your smile will look like once treatment is complete, thanks to the sophisticated digital-image technology that is used to map the mouth before treatment begins. Invisalign is also far more comfortable than metal braces, as there are no metal wire or brackets that rub against or stab the inside of your mouth. Although the first few days with a new aligner tray may be a bit uncomfortable -- more pressure than pain -- overall, Invisalign is far more comfortable and easier to deal with than traditional braces. Once your treatment is complete, your dentist is likely to recommend that you use retainers to hold the teeth in place and to prevent them from shifting back to their initial position. You may be able to get retainers that are made of clear plastic, just like the aligning trays, which will be custom-sculpted to perfectly fit your new smile; ask your dental specialist if this is an option for you. Your dental specialist may also recommend an addition to the treatment, called PROPEL, which can drastically reduce treatment time and improve the comfort of treatment. All in all, Invisalign can be a great alternative to traditional metal braces, so schedule a consultation with an Invisalign-trained dental specialist to learn more about your options. Your perfect smile awaits.

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