Are you finally ready to get the straight smile that you’ve always wanted with Invisalign? Many adults shy away from straightening their teeth, as they aren’t fond of the idea of wearing bulky metal braces that are usually seen on teenagers. However, adults deserve the chance to get straighter teeth too, and Invisalign is an excellent way for them to get the smile of their dreams without the use of a permanent orthodontic appliance.
Why Invisalign Is So Popular
Discreet Appearance
The discreet appearance that Invisalign system has to offer is one of the greatest reasons that adults like busy moms and working professionals are choosing this teeth straightening system over other options. Invisalign consists of a series of clear, plastic aligners that slip on over the top of the teeth. They do not require the use of metal brackets and arch wires like traditional braces. In many cases, other people won’t even be able to tell you are wearing them.
Professional Success
A great smile can make an unforgettable first impression, and this fact can be important for building relationships in the professional world. If you are unhappy with your smile, you may go out of your way to try and hide it and avoid interacting with people that you do not know. Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you the confidence that you need to succeed at work. Best of all, you don’t even have to let on to your clients and work colleagues that you are even wearing braces.
Lifestyle
The Invisalign system offers minimal lifestyle changes, so the system can fit into your busy life. You will remove the aligners in order to eat and drink, so you won’t need to worry about eliminating certain foods from your diet. If you enjoy playing contact sports or other activities that require the use of a mouth guard, you can continue to do these things, as you’ll simply remove your aligners.
Dental Hygiene
The Invisalign system provides for the best possible dental hygiene of any braces system. This is because the braces will be removed and cleaned separately at least twice per day when you are brushing your teeth. The aligners are easy to clean with a simple toothbrush and water. You’ll also be able to brush and floss your teeth without brackets and wires getting in the way, which can help to prevent tooth decay that often occurs with traditional braces.
Dental Visits
With work, kids, and a social life, adults are constantly busy and on the go. When it comes to straightening the teeth, these appointments are important so that your dentist can check on your progress. With traditional braces, these appointments can be lengthy, as the ligatures and arch wires will be removed and then tightened. Invisalign appointments are much shorter, as all that your dentist will need to do is ensure that your teeth are moving into their new position as planned.
For that reason, the fact that Invisalign requires fewer dental visits throughout the course of the treatment is an attractive concept for adults. Invisalign patients enjoy fewer orthodontic visits while straightening their teeth because computer simulations have determined exactly how the system will work. All you need to do is to change out your aligner for the next one in the series every two weeks so that your teeth will continue shifting into their desired positions. You’ll also need to ensure that you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day so that you are maintaining the progress of the simulation.
What to Expect at Your Invisalign Consultation
The first step in setting up your treatment plan is to schedule an Invisalign consultation. These appointments are the first of several steps that will put you on the path to achieving a straight and beautiful smile.
The Evaluation
If you are interested in Invisalign, you can set up an initial evaluation with your dentist. This exam gives your dentist the chance to examine your teeth and confirm that Invisalign is a good option for treating your particular situation. You can also use this opportunity to have some of your questions about the system answered, including how long the process will take, how much it will cost, and how Invisalign will fit into your life.
Taking Records
When meeting with your dentist, he or she will take records of your teeth and bite in order to better plan out your Invisalign treatment. There are four main types of records that your dentist will collect:
- X-rays: Dental X-rays give your dentist the chance to examine the health of your jawbone and the tooth root, and it can also evaluate the root positioning. Your dentist may take panoramic or full-mouth images.
- Bite registration: Your dentist will need to determine how your upper and lower teeth fit together. This is done by applying fast-setting paste onto the teeth before having you bite down. The paste then sets, and your dentist will be left with a record of your bite.
- Dental impressions: Dental impressions are a copy of your teeth, and they are created by placing putty into a tray and then getting an imprint of your teeth.
- Photos: The Invisalign lab will require eight patient photographs for every case, including full-face photos and pictures from various angles.
Your Prescription
Once all of your vital information has been collected, your dentist will fill out a prescription for Invisalign. This document will discuss the current status of your teeth, how you’ll be treated, and what tooth alignment changes are expected. Your records are then shipped off to Align Technology, Inc., and a digital scan will be taken of your dental impressions in order to create a digital 3D model of your teeth. Invisalign technicians then create an animation to show the sequence in which the teeth will move to their final destination, and once your dentist approves the treatment model, your clear, plastic aligners will be produced.
Begin Your Treatment
Once Invisalign has created your aligners and has sent them to your dental office, you’re ready to start your treatment. At your next appointment, your dentist will help you to discuss how many hours per day you’ll be required to wear the aligners, in addition to how you’re going to care for them. You’ll also receive your series of aligners and instruction on when to switch them out for the next one in the set.
Ready For A Beautiful Smile?
Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable way to straighten the teeth. If you’re ready to get a beautiful smile, don’t delay your Invisalign consultation any longer. Contact Friedman Dental Group today!
Last Reviewed by Dr. Eli Friedman on December 18, 2020
