If you have been doing research about teeth-straightening techniques for you or your child, you may have heard about the new, innovative orthodontics treatment called Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, this straightening method is almost completely invisible, removable, and much less painful. With this amazing new treatment, your orthodontist can still help you achieve your goal of having a perfectly straight smile, and you might be the only one who even knows you’re undergoing a teeth-straightening treatment.
How Does The System Work?
The Invisalign system uses a set of thin plastic trays called aligners that gradually shift the position of your teeth over time. Each set of aligners is custom-made to precisely fit your teeth at each stage of the straightening process. At an initial consultation, your orthodontist will decide if you are a good candidate for this treatment. If so, your orthodontist will map out a treatment plan for you, take pictures and make impressions of your teeth, digitize the impressions to create a 3-D computer image, and will plan the movement of your teeth on a computer before sending the images and impressions off to the lab that will make your aligners. The computer imaging allows you to see what your teeth will look like before, during, and after the straightening process.
The orthodontics plan will help create customized aligners to perfectly fit your teeth. Advanced technology can create this series of aligners, usually 20 to 30 aligners for a full treatment set. They will all be slightly different shapes that move your teeth over time. Usually, the patient moves onto a new set every two weeks or so, but your orthodontist will monitor your progress with regular checkups and make personalized recommendations for your teeth.
Benefits Of Invisalign
Adults and teenagers alike can reap the many benefits of Invisalign. First of all, the aligners are nearly clear and almost invisible. Most likely, no one will even notice that you’re wearing them. While everyone wants a straighter smile, a lot of people don’t want to go through the embarrassment and self-consciousness of wearing eye-catching metal braces, but you won’t have to worry about that. Another huge advantage is that the aligners are removable, so you can take them out while eating and drinking. You won’t have to worry about food getting caught in your braces. In addition, being able to remove the aligners means you can brush and floss your teeth normally and maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath a lot easier. Unlike braces, there are no metal wires and brackets to irritate your mouth. Your orthodontist visits won’t be spent having the brackets and wires painfully adjusted. Instead, you’ll just receive new aligners every few weeks. You’ll be able to preview how your teeth will look after treatment since you’re able to see a virtual representation of your future straightened teeth before you even begin.
Invisalign is a discreet and much more comfortable and convenient way to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted! If you have crooked, overcrowded, or widely spaced teeth, or an overbite or underbite, it could be a great option for you. Make an appointment with an orthodontist to find out if you could be a candidate.
