Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces for teeth straightening. While it’s likely you’ve heard of it, you may be wondering just how it works to straighten your smile. The process is both simple and virtually pain-free. But what exactly is the process?
Comfortable and Easy Invisalign Process
The Invisalign system offers a simple process to move your teeth into a straighter position over time. It works by using a series of clear aligners to position your teeth over time. The aligners are shaped from computer-generated images that your dental team takes. New trays are changed every one to two weeks at home. And, because each tray is designed to move your teeth gradually into position until they match with the aligner, each time you put a new aligner in your mouth, your teeth are a little bit straighter. Using gentle, incremental pressure on your teeth, they will gradually straighten.
Rather than the fixed metal wires that traditional braces used to push and pull the teeth into a new position, Invisalign just uses the clear aligner molds. These molds are all that is needed to shift teeth into a new and better position gradually.
Individual aligners are each worn 1-2 weeks as prescribed by your orthodontic team. This makes the straightening progress far more gentle than with the use of traditional braces. During the total time wearing Invisalign, your custom plan will vary with the number of trays required. The number varies because you’re unique - are your teeth. Your Orthodontist determines what movement is necessary which then determines just how many trays are needed to achieve the best results.
But, no matter how many aligner trays you wear, the important thing is to keep them in your mouth for 20-22 hours as required daily. If you don’t, your teeth won’t move into the anticipated place. This can throw off the fit of your aligner trays. But while you must keep them in your mouth daily as directed, do note that aligners can be removed from between 2 and 4 hours every day, for eating and dental hygiene.
Over the course of your treatment time, you’ll visit your orthodontist every four to eight weeks to be sure the Invisalign treatment is progressing as it should be.
Why Use Invisalign?
There are many reasons to choose Invisalign aligners, instead of traditional metal braces for teeth straightening. These include:
- Attractive look - made from clear plastic and almost invisible to others
- Easy removal - they can be removed 2 to 4 hours every day, while eating and while cleaning teeth
- Metal braces can’t be removed; they’re worn constantly.
Keeping Good Oral Health When Wearing Invisalign
While it’s important to wear your aligners as directed by your Orthodontist, it is also important for you to remove your aligners whenever you are eating or drinking anything besides water; this is to prevent staining the Aligners
And it’s important to remove your aligners to brush and floss a minimum of twice daily! Hygiene is important. While you are brushing your teeth and the Aligners are out of the mouth, be sure to clean your aligners themselves with a soft toothbrush.
Selecting Invisalign Treatment
Teens, kids, and adults can all wear Invisalign. It’s both unobtrusive and easy to use, as well as being much more comfortable compared to metal braces. Just remember to wear them as directed every day by your Orthodontic team.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Invisalign?
If you’re interested in learning more, our skilled Orthodontic team is here to help. We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule a consultation. Just give us a call, today!