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One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile. Especially for adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging.  Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.

Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays.  The dentist changes the trays every several weeks to fit the new tooth configuration.  In addition to the reduced visual impact, Invisalign® aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled.  A great number of people report complete satisfaction with both the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.

What kind of bite problems can Invisalign® correct?

Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:

  • Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth.  Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
  • Large Gaps Between Teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
  • Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.  As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
  • Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
  • Underbite – This is the inverse of overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover the upper teeth.  Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

What advantages does Invisalign® offer over traditional braces and veneers?

Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth.  There are many different considerations to make when deciding which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.

Invisalign® differs from traditional braces in that the aligning trays are fully removable.  This means that more discipline and commitment is required from the patient.  This is not usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible.  Almost identical results can be obtained by using either treatment.

Invisalign® is preferable to veneers in many cases because unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth. Veneers are thin covers that the dentist permanently affixes to the teeth.  Teeth must be etched beforehand, meaning that to remove dental veneers, an alternative covering must be constructed.  In addition to being somewhat expensive, veneers can break and often last for less than 20 years.

What does Invisalign® treatment involve?

First, the dentist needs to devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays.  Three-dimensional digital images are taken of the entire jaw.  These images allow the dentist to move specific teeth on the screen, view the jaw from different angles, and also foresee what the face might look like in years to come.  In essence, this technology can show how Invisalign® trays will change the facial aesthetics.

Once planning is complete, a unique set of aligners is made.  The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical.

What are some considerations when wearing Invisalign® trays?

Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several weeks to get used to.  The trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking.  It is important to remove the trays when consuming food or drink because food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye. There is no doubt that Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics.  Invisalign® is renowned for being both comfortable and effective.

11 Facts About Invisalign Treatments

Invisalign is one of the best options on the market for fixing misaligned teeth, but you may have a lot of questions about it. Here are 11 things you may not know about Invisalign:

1. Invisalign Usually Costs More Than Traditional Braces

The higher cost is because of the lab fees charged for Invisalign are typically more than those charged for regular braces. The fees are paid directly to the manufacturer of Invisalign.

2. Millions of Happy Invisalign Clients

Each day, more people choose Invisalign treatment, and the number continues to rise. Advancements in digital technology have made the process very effective and very convenient.

3. Flexibility & Comfort

You can remove your Invisalign trays, which allows you to have flexibility and freedom in terms of what you eat and drink. This also allows you to brush and floss just as you usually would without the Invisalign trays.

4. No Specialist Needed

Invisalign is a streamlined process that can be done by a general dentist or an orthodontist. The popularity of the treatment encourages more oral health professionals to offer the service as one of their cosmetic dental procedures. If a dentist is experienced in the use of Invisalign, they are very likely to be successful in helping you treat your misaligned teeth.

5. Fewer Appointments and No Hardware

With Invisalign, no metal brackets or wires are used. This reduces the need for frequent visits to your dental office for adjustments or repairs. With Invisalign, you are not required to go in for as many dental appointments as with traditional braces. With checkups scheduled every six weeks, you can apply three different sets of trays yourself without going in to see the dentist. This has a significant convenience advantage. Most patients love the fact that they don’t have a mouthful of metal and can still attend social events without embarrassment.

6. Same Process, Same Results

Invisalign trays are about the same as traditional braces because both are specifically designed to provide consistent pressure to specific teeth to create the most effective realignment of teeth that have grown out of place. For mild to moderate alignment problems, Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces. For severe malocclusion, traditional braces will be the more appropriate treatment and provide more comprehensive treatment.

7. Do Your Homework

It is a good idea to research several Invisalign treatment providers and to select the best one. Check their reviews online, as well as their credentials, experience level, and reputation.

8. Diligence is Important

You will be required to wear the Invisalign aligners for between 20 and 22 hours every day. If you do not wear the aligner trays for the specified amount of time, you may not achieve the results you desire with this treatment. You will need to change your Invisalign aligner trays every two weeks. Each set of Invisalign aligner trays is shaped slightly differently, with the teeth moving each time slightly, getting a little bit closer to your desired alignment goal.

9. Follow Up is Necessary

You will likely require a retainer after Invisalign treatments to prevent your teeth from shifting back into the position they were In before the treatment procedure. Wearing your retainer every night will ensure that your teeth stay in an optimal position.

10. Quality Materials are Essential

Invisalign aligner trays are made from a thermoplastic material that is soft and comfortable. They look similar to the trays used in teeth whitening. Your final set of aligners can often be used for whitening treatments in the future. Each Invisalign tray is correctly shaped individually to move your teeth in the sequence that has been determined by your treatment specialist.

11. There is a Time Commitment

Invisalign trays control both the timing and the force of the application. During each 10-day to 3-week treatment cycle, only individual specified teeth are adjusted. Over time, all of the desired teeth are gradually moved into position by the sequential application of trays, each of which is a slightly different shape.

If you have questions about Invisalign®, please contact our office.

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