Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of nearly invisible trays called aligners. They are comfortable, removable, and easy to maintain oral hygiene with. The series of aligners are custom made. Each aligner is designed to move teeth a small amount. Every two weeks the aligners are replaced with the next set until your teeth reach the desired position.
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The Invisalign Process
After the initial consultation, your dentist will determine whether Invisalign is an appropriate treatment for you. Before the procedure continues, pictures and molds will be created of your teeth and mouth. This will allow the aligners to be fitted to the shape of your teeth. Once the aligners are ready, you can pick them up at the office and wear them during the day and night. They should be removed only for eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Each new set of aligners are shipped to your home or can be retrieved at the office. You must change each set of aligners after a period of time determined by your dentist. Most patients who wear aligners can finish the treatment within eighteen months.
Invisalign Advantages:
- They are less intrusive than braces. They are nearly invisible and most people won’t notice you have them on.
- They are more comfortable and easier to remove.
- Patients experience a shorter treatment time compared to traditional braces
- They are less damaging and do not have sharp or protruding edges that can irritate the mouth
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What are Invisalign Aligners Created From?
In most cases, the aligners that make up Invisalign are produced from safe, durable plastic that ensures a completely discreet appearance when worn. They are produced and customized to accommodate the patient’s specific smile and mouth shape. During that development process, the aligners are further refined using advanced imaging and 3-D technology. Due to their comfortable nature, the plastic produces no irritation to sensitive oral tissue. This makes them a popular alternative to braces with metal brackets or wires.
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How Invisalign Aligners Work
Traditional braces consist of a set of metal brackets glued to each tooth, connected by adjustable wires. They work by putting pressure on the teeth day by day to move them into the desired position. At each visit, your dentist checks to see how far and in what direction the teeth have moved and adjusts the wires accordingly.
Invisalign works much the same way, except that plastic aligners put pressure on the teeth rather than the wires and brackets on braces. Bit by bit, the teeth move, becoming straighter and with a more uniform distance between them. Each aligner is custom crafted to move the teeth into the next phase of treatment, and your dentist can adjust the treatment as it goes along.
Mission Viejo orthodontics consists of both braces and Invisalign. Both are equally effective, and the choice of which orthodontic treatment to pursue is up to you.
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How does invisalign compare to conventional braces?
For patients, Invisalign is accommodating and convenient for a more comfortable cosmetic dentistry experience. The length of treatment is about the same as with conventional braces and because the aligners are removed before meals, there are no restrictions on eating or drinking.
10 Things Parents Should Know About Invisalign Teen
- WHAT IS INVISALIGN TEEN?
- IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES?
- WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF IT OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES?
- ARE THERE ANY EMOTIONAL CONCERNS TO CONSIDER?
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE ?
- HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- DOES MY TEEN HAVE TO WEAR INVISALIGN ALL THE TIME?
- WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ALIGNER GETS LOST?
- HOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT VISITING THE ORTHODONTIST?
Our team in Mission Viejo can assist patients in the appropriate recommendations for a successful Invisalign treatment. Call us today and schedule an appointment.
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