If you are ready for a smile that you can’t wait to show off, there are a few different ways to reach your goal with help from your orthodontist. One of the most subtle and popular ways is with Invisalign. This unique way of getting a straighter smile uses a series of clear aligners made from a proprietary material. How does Invisalign work, and could it be right for you?
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that adjusts your teeth into an optimal position. It’s become popular because it’s virtually invisible and very comfortable, unlike traditional braces with brackets. Instead of going to the orthodontist to have your wires tightened, you will progress through a series of aligners and wear them for 22+ hours each day.
Invisalign clear aligners are customized to your mouth based on a mold of your teeth taken at the start of the process. Your orthodontist will then create a progression of aligners that shift your teeth gradually.
What Can Invisalign Be Used for?
Invisalign is very versatile, and it can be used in a broad range of situations to straighten teeth and remove gaps. However, in very severe cases, traditional braces might be more appropriate. Some of the common reasons why clear aligners are used include:
- Crowded teeth
- Mild to moderate overbite
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Mild underbite
- Mild crossbite
- Open bite
- And more!
Your orthodontist can assess you to give you a more precise idea of whether or not Invisalign is appropriate for you and ensure that you are a good candidate.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign process harnesses the magic of consistent, gentle pressure applied to the teeth to shift your teeth into the perfect position. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires to accomplish this, they use comfortable clear aligners that snugly fit your teeth. While you might feel a little bit of discomfort during the process, you should never experience pain and you don’t need to worry about wires or brackets.
In order to get the best results possible, you need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day. As you move from tray to tray, your teeth will shift into their new position. Throughout the process, your orthodontist will assess your progress to ensure that you are moving from tray to tray at the right pace.
How Long Will Invisalign Take?
Every patient is different, and your treatment process will vary in length depending on your current oral health, the severity of your orthodontic problems, and how well you are compliant. Patients who wear their aligners enough time every day and who follow the correct order can expect to finish their treatment in as little as 10 months or as long as 2 years. Your orthodontist will provide you with a projected treatment length at the start of your treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
There are many different benefits of Invisalign clear aligners. Some of the biggest advantages include:
- You can eat and drink almost anything that you want to. Traditional braces require dietary modifications to avoid damaging the brackets or braces. However, since you take your clear aligners out of your mouth for eating and drinking, you can keep your normal diet.
- Your clear aligners will be virtually invisible. Some people who have traditional braces are self-conscious about how noticeable the brackets and wires are. With Invisalign, you never need to worry about that.
- It’s easy to keep your teeth clean because you don’t have to worry about having a hard time flossing or brushing around braces. Instead, you can remove the aligners to clean the trays and the surface of your teeth with ease.
- Wearing braces can be stressful, as you might break a bracket and need to rush back to the orthodontist to have it replaced. With aligners, you can rest easy that you won’t have an orthodontic emergency.
- Clear aligners are very comfortable to wear. Invisalign uses a proprietary material that is designed to gently hug your teeth without pressing on them too firmly.
Are There Alternatives to Invisalign?
Yes. There are other types of clear aligners on the market, and you could also pursue traditional braces. Providing that you are working with an experienced orthodontist, like our team, you can have a comfortable time adjusting your teeth. You deserve your dream smile, and Invisalign is one way to get it!