Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments on the market today, but many folks still have questions about it including prospective patients who could potentially benefit from the treatment. These clear aligner trays are able to transform many smiles, fix orthodontic issues, and help you love your smile. Here are 5 things you might not know about Invisalign aligners.
1. Invisalign Is Totally Customized for You
Some people assume Invisalign is one-size-fits-all, like the mouth guards that you might purchase at the store to protect your teeth when you play sports with friends. However, Invisalign is an innovative process that is completely tailored to your mouth every step of the way. From the moment that your treatment plan begins, your orthodontist will work with you to find the best way to solve any issues you are experiencing.
As part of your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will take a 3-D impression of your mouth. This process uses proprietary technology that allows the specialist to get a very precise look at each of your teeth. By having a detailed starting point, aligner trays can be designed that will gradually shift your teeth over time into a perfect smile. Your orthodontist will develop a treatment plan for your approval and be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it will take.
Every patient is different, which means that you might need anywhere from 10 trays to 50 trays in order to have your preferred result. Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with regular updates over the course of your treatment and adjust as needed depending on how well things progress.
2. Invisalign Uses SmartTrack Material
There are many things that make Invisalign unique and a popular option for orthodontic treatment, but one of the biggest is how comfortable the trays are. That isn’t an accident! Invisalign uses a custom-designed material known as SmartTrack to create each of the custom clear aligners. This unique substance is more elastic than the traditional plastic that you are used to. That means that you can smile more comfortably and have an easier time taking your aligners in and out as you use them.
While SmartTrack is designed to have more give than the plastic you might associate with orthodontic appliances, it still applies constant pressure to the teeth. This gentle pressure will gradually shift your teeth over time until you have the perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of. In fact, some studies have found that thanks to the SmartTrack technology, your orthodontic treatment could be as much as 50% faster than traditional braces.
3. You Can Visualize Your Treatment
Committing to orthodontic treatment can be intimidating, especially if you’re not sure how the final result will look. Unlike other types of treatment, Invisalign provides you with realistic previews of what your smile will look like through every step of your treatment. This can increase your confidence that you are making the right decision and make sure that all of your concerns will be handled over the course of the Invisalign process.
4. Office Visits Are Faster
There are many different reasons why adults choose to postpone orthodontic treatment, and one of the biggest ones is the need to visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments. When you have regular braces that use brackets and wires, it’s not uncommon to visit every couple of weeks to have an adjustment, have a bracket replaced, or have a wire trimmed. This is not always a problem when a teen is undergoing treatment, but it can be a big pain if you need to take off work in order to attend.
In contrast, Invisalign office visits are typically much faster. During your visit, your orthodontist will confirm that your teeth are moving in the right direction and make sure that you are ready for your next set of aligners. Because you do not have wires or anything that needs to be manually altered by the orthodontist, you will be in and out much faster. Many patients are able to squeeze their Invisalign appointments into a lunch break or short trip out of the office.
5. Invisalign Isn’t Just for People Who Haven’t Had Braces
Did you know that Invisalign treatments are not just appropriate for people who have never had orthodontic treatment in the past? In fact, Invisalign is one of the most popular options for those who had braces at a young age and need to adjust their smile again due to a lack of retainer use or other circumstances. Your orthodontist can work with you to determine if Invisalign is an excellent option for your needs.