For many years, if you needed orthodontic treatment, it was just assumed that you would walk out of the office wearing traditional metal braces. And while these metal brackets with wires may work beautifully for all types of orthodontic work, they are not very discreet.
As an alternative option, Invisalign has been around for quite a while, but it is now becoming more and more accessible to everyone. It consists of clear, removable aligners that help resolve oral issues, such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, and misaligned bites. And they work just as well as traditional braces.
Here’s everything you need to know about how Invisalign works.
How Does Invisalign Work?
If your orthodontist has presented you with options for treatment and Invisalign happens to be one you are considering, you may wonder just how it works. After all, making an educated decision about your orthodontic care can ensure you are choosing the right treatment for yourself.
The first step in Invisalign treatment involves using 3D technology to take images of your teeth now and create a progression - showing your teeth transition into the desired outcome. From this, a series of clear plastic aligners are custom-designed just for you.
Each aligner will move your teeth further and further along the progression timeline. Your orthodontist will provide you with a tentative schedule of how the aligners are to be changed so that your teeth can slowly move into their new space. Typically aligners will be changed every couple of weeks. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress and make any adjustments if necessary.
Wearing Invisalign
Invisalign aligners should only be removed while eating and while cleaning your teeth and/or the aligners. They are designed to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours every day - and this is what your treatment schedule depends on. Otherwise, you can expect your timeline will be extended.
Generally speaking, Invisalign can transform smiles in about the same timeframe as traditional braces - as long as they are worn as they should.
Benefits of Invisalign
Patients choose Invisalign for many different reasons, but one, in particular, is that it comes with a lot of benefits.
Comfortable: Invisalign is comfortable. It is made with a thin, clear plastic that is comfortable. Each new aligner will be a little tighter than the one you were wearing, but that is to be expected at first because it is encouraging your teeth to move. After a day or two, you will barely remember you are wearing them.
Convenient: Invisalign treatment doesn’t involve some of the things required for traditional braces. For instance, there are no tightening appointments required, rather just the occasional follow-up to monitor your progress. And you don’t have to make any dietary changes, either, since you remove the aligners to eat. All of this helps you maintain some normalcy in your life as you move forward with your orthodontic treatment.
Easy to Care For: Unlike learning to care for your teeth around traditional braces, you simply pop out your aligners, then brush and floss your teeth as normal. As for the aligners, you can rinse them and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap to clean them.
Nearly Invisible Treatment: Invisalign aligners are a discreet way to treat minor to moderate orthodontic needs. They don’t stand out like traditional braces - and are barely visible - but work just as well.
Learn More About Invisalign at Hass Family Orthodontics
At Hass Family Orthodontics, we would love to see you transform your smile into one you feel confident about. And that may just happen with Invisalign. To learn more or see if you are a candidate for this orthodontic treatment, contact us today at 828-464-5300. Or, request an appointment online.