More comfortable than traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a great choice in orthodontic treatment designed to align your teeth correctly.
Invisalign as a process relies on clear aligners to position your teeth. Your aligners are unique, shaped from computer-generated images and impressions your dentist will take.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign’s modern aligner system is both less uncomfortable than metal braces and less unwieldy. The aligners move your teeth incrementally into straighter positions. The aligners are changed over time: each time you place a new aligner in your mouth, your teeth are just a little straighter. Each subsequent tray is shaped for teeth marginally straighter than your teeth when you first start wearing that aligner. This results in a gentle pressure on your teeth, one that moves them to match up with the aligner gradually.
Instead of utilizing fixed metal wires like traditional braces, which pull your teeth into a new position, Invisalign uses the clear aligner molds to straighten teeth, shifting teeth to a new and better position as your teeth fit into the shape of each aligner.
Individual Invisalign aligner sets are each worn for one to two weeks; patients using Invisalign usually visit their dentist approximately once every six weeks, to be sure the treatment is going well.
Why Choose Invisalign?
For most patients, you’ll find many advantages in using Invisalign aligners rather than using metal braces to straighten your teeth. Made from clear plastic, for one thing they are practically unseen by others. They can also be removed for about 2 to 4 hours each day, while metal braces can’t be removed. Metal braces must be worn day and night even if they’re uncomfortable.
Another advantage of Invisalign: wearing Invisalign to straighten your teeth often takes less time than traditional metal braces. Metal braces can take two years to complete straightening your teeth, while Invisalign takes between 9 and 24 months on average.
During the months that you are wearing Invisalign, between 20 and 50 different aligners are worn. The number varies - after all, your child’s teeth are unique. Regardless of how many aligner trays are worn, you must keep them in your mouth for the number of hours required every day. If you don’t, your teeth won’t move into the anticipated position, throwing off aligner trays and aligner tray fit, or derailing the straightening progress you’ve made.
Dental Care During Invisalign Treatment
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is important, just like wearing aligners for the amount of time that your dentist tells you to wear them daily. First of all, always be sure your child is able to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything at all besides water.
Also, don’t forget to remove aligners to brush and floss twice daily. Clean the aligner with a toothbrush whenever your child brushes and flosses. And of course, keep your child’s regularly scheduled appointments for dental check-ups and cleanings.
Choosing Invisalign
The Invisalign process is unobtrusive, simple to use, flexible, and considerably more comfortable than metal braces. But remember, it’s important for a patient to be able to wear them every day, just as directed.
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you want to know more about Invisalign, our skilled dental team can answer any questions. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and helping your child have straighter teeth!