What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you’ve always wanted, without the hassle of metal wire braces. The technology was created by an American company known as Align Technology. Invisalign provides a series of clear removable teeth aligners which the patient wears every day to gradually straighten teeth. The biggest difference between conventional metal braces and Invisalign is that Invisalign is almost completely transparent and thus are far more difficult to detect.
Invisalign will solve many different types of conditions including spaced teeth, crowded teeth, crossbite, underbite, and overbite.
The costs of Invisalign does vary depending on the condition of the teeth and the length of treatment. The price however is very similar to traditional metal braces.
Traditional braces generally take 9 – 24 months to complete treatment. Invisalign completes treatment in much less time; an average Invisalign course of treatment takes from 6 months to about a year. You will need to see your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. Every two weeks, you will be asked to wear a new set of custom clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by your dentist for your treatment.
After wearing your aligners for the fixed terms, you will see a beautiful and glowing smile. However, keeping that smile isn’t as easy as it seems. You will be required to wear a plastic clear retainer similar to your aligners every night to maintain your teeth position.
How to straighten your teeth with Invisalign
If you’re reading this then there’s no doubt that you understand the importance of what it is to have a confident smile. It is incredibly valuable in professional and social settings – be in a business presentation or an evening out with friends, being self-conscious about what your teeth look like can restrict you from putting on the kind of smile you want to have. Past a certain age, braces are not something you would consider. That’s understandable. This is where Invisalign comes in.
In the place of the traditional metal and wires of braces, adults now have the option to wear an invisible and removable version of braces that don’t give you the “junior high look”. To straighten your teeth as an adult, there’s no better option than Invisalign. Allowing you the flexibility and convenience to fit just about every aspect of your life, Invisalign is hugely popular among adults who carry with them the belief that it’s too late to fix their crooked teeth. That’s just not the case.
After learning more about the treatment process, it is hard to turn down Invisalign as the answer to straightening your teeth without the hassle of braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners that are made through 3D computer imaging technology to suit the shape of your teeth. Then these aligners are worn for two weeks at a time before being switched out for another pair, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As each aligner is replaced, little by little your teeth will move until they have straightened to the final position as prescribed by the dentist. The total treatment time averages nine to fifteen months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30 though these numbers vary depending on the individual.
It’s never too late to fix crooked teeth. If there’s anything one can take away from Invisalign, it’s this. Straightening your teeth doesn’t need to be embarrassing or disruptive. With Invisalign, one gets straightened teeth and a beautiful smile in a reasonable amount of time, minimal impact on your busy schedule, and you get to leave those feelings of self-consciousness behind knowing that these invisible aligners will have your teeth strengthened in no time.
And it’s not just for cosmetic purposes that we recommend Invisalign. Straightened teeth form a proper bite which will lead to better overall periodontal health. Making the decision to go ahead with Invisalign is easy when you know that the treatment is flexible enough to let you live your life the way you want to live it. The aligner trays are smooth, comfortable, and removable – meaning if there’s a special occasion coming up that you want to look your best for, simply take out your Invisalign aligners for that time and pop them back in when you’re ready.
Invisalign: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Invisalign is a popular alternative to wire braces, and it uses a system of incremental aligners to adjust
the teeth. This process requires that each aligner is worn for at least 20 hours a day for two weeks at a
time before moving on to the next aligner in the series. There are a variety of pros and cons associated
with this system, and your dentist can help you determine if Invisalign is right for you.
The Benefits of Invisalign
There are several advantages of Invisalign that attract dental patients to choose this method of
straightening their teeth:
- Appearance. Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligners rather than a bulky metal appliance, so many adults who want to straighten their teeth choose this option. The aesthetic benefits of Invisalign are one of the greatest reasons that dental patients choose this method.
- Straighter Teeth. The Invisalign system has been proven effective at straightening mild to moderate cases of teeth spacing, crowding, underbite, overbite, and crossbite problems.
- Dental Hygiene. With the Invisalign system, you will remove your braces in order to brush your teeth. This allows you to ensure that your teeth are cleaned properly, which may be difficult with other orthodontic options.
- Customized. The Invisalign system is customized for your unique teeth at the Invisalign lab. This can result in a comfortable experience.
- Lifestyle. Since you can remove your Invisalign braces at will, the experience will result in minimal lifestyle changes. You can continue to eat what you want without fear of damaging your braces, and you can continue to play your favorite contact sport or instrument without interference from metal brackets and wires.
The Disadvantages of Invisalign
Like any orthodontic treatment option, there are some shortcomings associated with the Invisalign system:
- Speech Problems. Some patients report difficulty with their speech within the first few weeks of using Invisalign. A lisp is the most common issue, but it should go away after you have had time to adjust to your braces.
- Inconvenience. You’ll need to remove your Invisalign aligners every time that you eat or drink, which may not always be convenient, especially if you are out in public. This could also lead to misplacing your aligners, which can be expensive to replace and may put your treatment off schedule.
- Treatment Delay. If you decide that Invisalign is the treatment that you want to pursue to straighten your teeth, your orthodontist will need to send your molds, x-rays, and treatment plan to Invisalign. The Invisalign lab then creates a simulation to send to your orthodontist. If your orthodontist approves the simulation, the aligners are created and sent to your dental office. This can take up to six weeks.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces
Proper teeth alignment works to promote good health for your teeth and gums. It can also help to provide a good defense against certain diseases, as well as other types of problems. Invisalign clear braces can help to do this by providing a convenient way to achieve a healthier and more beautiful smile. The best way to learn more about this dental apparatus is to find and schedule a consultation with an Invisalign dentist in Florida. However, you can also find some of the primary benefits highlighted here.
Easy to Clean
One appealing benefit offered by Invisalign clear braces is the fact that your teeth are still easy to clean. Since the Invisalign trays are easily removed, you can clean your teeth as you normally would. You do not have to worry about food getting stuck or spending endless minutes in the bathroom trying to clean your teeth. Additionally, the clear nature of Invisalign braces makes them less noticeable than traditional braces.
Removable
Invisalign braces are removable. This means that if you have a special event coming up you can remove the trays and then replace them when the event is over. However, the fact is that since they are clear, they are virtually undetectable by others that are near you. It is important to note, though, if you want them to be as effective as possible, dentists recommend you wear them for at least 22 hours each day.
Variety of Uses
Invisalign braces provide an option for many different types of teeth issues. For example, these aligners can be used for mouthes that are overcrowded, too widely spaced, or a number of other issues. There are many issues related to these problems that many individuals are not even aware of. Gum irritation and gum disease are just a few of the problems that can occur for people who do not have properly spaced teeth. Additionally, there have been studies that have proven that if gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to other issues, including problems with the heart.
With Invisalign, you can easily straighten your teeth without getting food stuck in the devices. Additionally, with proper space between your teeth, they will be less prone to soreness and bleeding. Invisalign is a smart and convenient option for anyone seeking a healthier more beautiful smile.
How Does Invisalign Work?
If you are considering Invisalign, you might be concerned with how this system works. After all, the aligners are clear and thin, so it may seem impossible that Invisalign can actually move the teeth. Find out what Invisalign can do for your teeth by a better understanding of how the system works.
Talk to Your Dentist
Your orthodontic treatment will begin after you’ve chosen an Invisalign Preferred Provider that is trained in administering Invisalign to patients. You will interact with this orthodontist regularly, so you may need to visit with a few before you make your final selection. Remember that not all orthodontists and dentists will work with Invisalign, so find one who has received the proper training so that he can evaluate your needs appropriately and determine how Invisalign will benefit you.
Your Customized Treatment Plan is Developed
Once you and your orthodontist have decided that you will use the Invisalign appliance to straighten your teeth, he will take impressions, pictures, and x-rays of your mouth. This information is forwarded to the Invisalign laboratory so that a digital 3D image can be created. The images are used to create a simulation of the progress of your smile throughout treatment, and it is sent back to your orthodontist for approval. Your orthodontist will show you this model so that you can better understand how your teeth will move throughout every stage of your treatment.
Receive Your Aligners
The Invisalign lab will create your customized aligners based on your individual treatment plan. These clear aligners are made from comfortable, smooth, BPA-free plastic, and it won’t irritate your gums or cheeks. This is a major advantage over traditional braces.
You will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, even while asleep, but you’ll take them out when you eat, drink, or brush and floss. As you wear your aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into their desired locations, and each aligner in the series encourages your teeth closer toward their final destination. Since the system is almost completely invisible, most people won’t be able to tell that you are even wearing them.
Change Aligners Every Two Weeks
Every two weeks you’ll need to change out your aligner for the next set in the series. This process advances you to the next phase of your treatment. You’ll have occasional checkups with your orthodontist so that he can monitor your progress, and these generally occur every six weeks. At each stage in your treatment, you’ll notice major changes in your teeth that are propelling you toward having the smile that you’ve always wanted.
Reveal Your Beautiful New Smile
Treatment times generally take about a year. Once your treatment has ended, it is important to protect your new, straight smile. Your orthodontist or dentist will likely recommend the use of Vivera retainers in order to keep your teeth in their new place. These retainers are custom-made using the same technology as Invisalign braces, and they will help you to lock in your smile for life.
Commonly Asked Questions about Invisalign
If you are considering Invisalign to help give you the smile of your dreams, you may have questions about the system. Choosing an orthodontic treatment is a big decision, so it is important to have all of the facts before making your selection. Find out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign system consists of a series of aligners, and each one will make minor adjustments to the positioning of your teeth. When the aligners are fitted onto the teeth, they will cause the teeth to shift gradually into their desired position. After about two weeks, you’ll move on to the next aligner in the set, and this will move the teeth straightening process along. During each phase, only certain teeth will be allowed to move, and the Invisalign system will control both the force that is applied to the teeth and the timing of that force.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
When using Invisalign, you’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day, and they should only be removed for cleaning your teeth, eating, and drinking. The length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your situation, but the average treatment for adults will take about 12 months.
Do I Have to Change My Diet?
When wearing Invisalign, you won’t need to change your diet, and you can continue to eat and drink whatever you want. This is because you’ll need to take the aligners out before you eat or drink so that you don’t stain the clear plastic. It is also important to brush and floss properly before you reinsert your aligners.
How Often Will I See the Dentist?
When wearing the Invisalign system, your dentist will need to check your progress about once every six weeks. This is similar to the appointments needed with traditional braces, but the appointments are usually shorter in duration. The goal of these appointments is to make sure that your treatment is moving along as planned.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
When you first begin using Invisalign, you may experience some discomfort. The same is true for every time you begin a new aligner in the series. However, most patients prefer the discomfort felt with this system than that of traditional, metal brackets, and wires. The discomfort that you feel is also a sign that the system is working and that you are on your way to having a straight and beautiful smile.
Invisalign is the perfect way to straighten your teeth in a way that is non-invasive to your personal and professional life. For more information on Invisalign and how it can benefit your lifestyle, contact Freidman Dental Group to schedule an appointment.
