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Invisalign® Clear Aligner Treatment

A smile says much about you. That’s why we always strive to present our best smile possible. Although, sometimes, things prevent that. Such is the case with misaligned or crooked teeth. Are you looking for a straighter smile?

Braces are the usual treatment for straightening teeth. The problem is, conventional braces means metal wires and brackets. Few people, if any, like the look of conventional braces. Conventional braces are best for children and for teeth that are challenging to treat.

Invisalign is ideal for teens and adults with mild to moderate treatment needs.

Are you considering braces, but don’t want to mess with brackets and wires? If so, then consider Invisalign.  Invisalign is perfect for anyone wishing to steer away from conventional braces. Invisalign® is a solution for anyone wanting a straighter smile without brackets and wires.

What is the difference between Invisalign® and Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are often seen as unsightly for a few reasons.

  • Metal components
  • Bulky structure
  • Unnatural functionality inside the mouth

Most metal brace wearers often complain about pain and discomfort when eating. That’s because the small metal parts can be abrasive against the inside of the lip.

Invisalign is different. It is a clear, biomedical-grade plastic aligner that is both safe and comfortable. The dental lab develops the Invisalign mold to your teeth using computerized 3D imaging. The end product is like a mouth guard. It is a colorless plastic tray worn over your teeth for 22 hours every  day. Invisalign® is removable. Unlike metal or ceramic braces, which have several intricate components, Invisalign is one piece. Thus, there are no brackets or wires to worry about damaging.

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is better than traditional braces because:

  • Removable whenever you eat, drink and brush your teeth
  • No components
  • Colorless material
  • Shorter treatment time, around nine to 18 months
  • No metal pieces to cut or scrape the lips and tongue
  • No more mouth sores
  • No dietary restrictions
  • Shorter dental check-ups
  • Doesn’t stain teeth

How does Invisalign® work?

The first step is to identify the problem and its severity. Doctor will examine your dental structure and determine the extent of your malocclusion. If you are a good fit for Invisalign®, dentist will discuss your options and let you decide.

Once you have chosen Invisalign®, you will need to return for more dental visits for a proper fit. The first follow-up includes developing a treatment plan and mapping your current dental structure. Doctor will take a photo or X-ray of your teeth and enter it into the Invisalign® program to create a digital copy. The dental lab uses this to develop the 3D images needed to create the dental trays that you will be wearing.

You will need to wear the Invisalign® dental trays in a series. Each one will adjust the teeth slightly to get the desired change. You will need to wear each tray for a span of two weeks, before proceeding to the next tray in the series. You still need to attend dental checkups  every six weeks. This will ensure treatment is going as planned and the teeth are adhering to the adjustments.

What happens after I finish my Invisalign treatment?

After the treatment process, you will see doctor again. He will check if the teeth have achieved the desired final result. Once you complete the Invisalign® treatment, you still need to wear retainers. This is necessary to keep the teeth from returning back to their old positions. The length of the Invisalign® treatment depends on the severity of the problem. It can last for a few months to almost two years. Extra adjustments are sometimes needed if the final result is not perfect.

Invisalign® comes with its own cleaning kit, which you can use whenever you brush your teeth. You should wear Invisalign® while you’re asleep to achieve the 22-hour daily rule. The treatment time may take longer if you don’t wear the dental trays for the recommended time frame. Although made of plastic, Invisalign® is quite thin and fragile and may break or snap in half. It is also not made for chewing or biting, so make sure you remove it before eating.

Is Invisalign® Right for You?

Dentist will be the one to discuss whether Invisalign® is a fit for you. Most severe malocclusion issues are not corrected using Invisalign®.  Thus, metal or ceramic braces are often a better choice. If your malocclusion is mild to moderate, Invisalign® is a good choice. Doctor will discuss all your options with you.