If you’ve ever wanted straight teeth but didn’t want to go through the hassle of traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment may be the solution. The process uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move teeth into proper alignment but exactly what is Invisalign and is it worth it?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. However, it bears little resemblance to traditional metal braces and immovable brackets that are stuck to the front of your teeth for the best part of 2 years. Instead, Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of removable, clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth, where natural forces gently move them into their preferred positions to create a straighter, healthier smile.
What is Invisalign Used to Correct?
If you have crooked teeth, slight tooth gaps, or a minor malocclusion, Invisalign can help correct these issues. Whatever your current oral condition, we’ll examine the mouth and assess your smile to see whether you’re a good candidate for this type of orthodontic treatment.
If all is good, images of your teeth are then created using 3D computer imaging technology. You get to see what your finished smile will look like before commencing. If you aren’t happy, any adjustments can be made virtually until the final treatment plan is signed off.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Now we know what Invisalign is and the oral conditions it corrects, the next logical step is to talk about how Invisalign works.
The Invisalign treatment process usually begins after taking scans of your teeth. Digital scans are sent to a central Invisalign lab where custom trays are developed. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, moving teeth little by little until you’re satisfied with the results.
Patients are expected to wear each aligner 22 hours a day for 1-2 weeks before replacing it with the next aligner in the series. The aligners are custom-made and issued in batches, so with Invisalign treatment, you don’t have to visit the dentist as often as you would if you were wearing traditional braces that need to be adjusted every time your teeth shift.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment depends on the individual case. For mild to moderate cases, treatment typically takes between twelve to eighteen months. However, if you only need small cosmetic movements, it can take as little as three months. It is crucial that you wear your clear aligners for the prescribed amount of time each day and go to all of your dental appointments to achieve the desired results within the given timeframe.
Do I Need to Wear Retainers After I’ve Completed Invisalign Treatment?
It is likely that you’ll need to wear retainers at night after Invisalign treatment is complete. It’s essential that you follow this part of the process to prevent any teeth from drifting back to their previous positions.
You probably will need to wear retainers—typically at night—once clear aligner treatment is complete. It is important you comply with this part of the process to ensure teeth don’t shift back to their former positions.
Why Choose Invisalign Treatment Over Traditional Braces?
Anyone looking for more information on what Invisalign is may also be wondering why you should choose removable clear braces over fixed orthodontics. Here are four good reasons.
Comfort
Fixed orthodontic treatment can take some getting used to, but the smooth plastic of Invisalign compared to the bulky brackets and metal wires of braces are considerably more comfortable to wear.
Visibility
For anyone concerned about aesthetics, Invisalign is the master of discreet orthodontics. All aligners are made using BPA-free, clear plastic resin and are customised to fit your smile. Put them over your teeth and no one needs to know you’re wearing them.
Removability
Fixed orthodontic treatment (braces) are attached to the teeth 24/7 for the duration of the process. Conversely, clear aligners are designed to be removed daily.
As long as you wear them for the required amount of time (around 22 hours a day) you’re free to remove them for eating and drinking or playing sports. As a result, they don’t impinge on your lifestyle quite as much as fixed braces might.
Easier oral Hygiene
It’s easier to keep your teeth clean with removable aligners than it is with traditional braces, as you can remove them to brush and floss as normal.
So there you have it. What is Invisalign and how does it work!
Hopefully, we’ve given you some indication as to whether you think that Invisalign is worth it for you, but if you need further convincing, or simply want to find out more, speak with us to ascertain whether you’re a good candidate and what the treatment can do for you. Reach us for invisalign in Burwood.
References
Colgate: What is Orthodontics?
https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/teen-oral-care/what-is-orthodontics
Healthline: What to Know Before You Get a Retainer
https://www.healthline.com/health/retainer-types