For many adults and older teens who want straighter teeth, metal braces present an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing option, however, Invisalign offers a great alternative.
Invisalign uses practically invisible aligners to slowly move your teeth into a straighter position. There are no metal brackets no matter wires that make an uncomfortable sensation in your mouth as each aligner is custom made to fit in your mouth. The way that it works is through a series of trays they gradually shift the teeth into place. Every tray is manufactured to be incrementally smaller than the one previous, often by only about 0.25 mm.
Every two weeks you’ll get a new set of aligners they work to slowly move your teeth into their ideal place. All you have to do is insert the tray!
Gone are the days of uncomfortable and ugly brackets and metal wires. Invisalign aligners are clear and which makes them a great option for adults and teens want to straighten their smile without drawing any attention to it.
How Does Invisalign Work?
There are three steps during the Invisalign treatment:
First, you will need to meet with your dentist to get a preview of your new smile. They will use a special scanner to create a 3D map of your mouth and then create a treatment plan that is customized to your needs!
You can also take the smile assessment on the Invisalign website to see if the treatment is a good option for your circumstances. You want to set yourself up for success. The dentist will make sure to fit the aligners well and answer any questions you may have about the treatment.
Next, you start wearing the aligners and have regular check-ins with the doctor. Keep up the routine without any interruptions until the treatment is completed. You can expect to be finished within six months to a year depending on the complexity of the case, but you can expect to see results in as little as a few weeks.
Lastly, you need to maintain your smile with good oral hygiene and with the help of a retainer. The retainer will ensure that your smile stays in its new position for many years to come. Invisalign offers its own brand of the retainer, but you can always work with your dentist to see what options would work for you.
Make sure that you are seeing a dentist or orthodontist that is trained in the visit line. The dentist needs to be specialized by attending a series of instructional sessions and keeping up with ongoing training. Because of the knowledge that is required to successfully treat patients using Invisalign system, it’s important to see a trained specialist like those at La Verne Dental & Implant Center in La Verne, CA.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
On average the regular timeline for treatment tends to be about 12 months. Of course, this can vary depending on how complex each case is. Teens may also have a more complex situation and therefore a more variable timeline.
Each patient will works closely with their dentist in the development of a treatment plan in order to customize it to their individual needs. Sometimes the dentist will make use of small attachments to help you get the perfect smile. These are tooth-colored bumps that can be placed on the teeth in order to help the aligner grip the teeth and create the right movement.
What Can I Change About My Smile With Invisalign?
The Invisalign system can address a large range of various dental problems. From a gap in the teeth to overbites or underbites to excessive crowding your dentist can create a special Invisalign aligner that fits your mouth.
A mouthful of straight and aligned teeth is not only good for your confidence and for aesthetic reasons but also for your oral health. Gaps in teeth can leave the gums vulnerable and can cause or make worse periodontal disease. Overbites and underbites can stress the jaw and the joint creating issues in those areas. Having overcrowded teeth can also lead to excessive plaque accumulation as well as a more difficult time maintaining teeth. This can lead to greater cavities.
The Invisalign system can address all of these issues so you’re able to have the best oral health possible.
Do I Have To Stop Eating My Favorite Foods?
Short answer: No! Invisalign aligners are removed while eating. This means you can go about your regular routine without much inconvenience. You simply remove your Invisalign aligners in the morning and evening to clean them. Just brush them like you brush your teeth!
Remove your liners when you eat and you’ll never have to worry about food being stuck in wires or brackets. Invisalign aligners can actually keep your teeth cleaner than traditional braces because you can maintain your normal oral health routine while aligning your teeth.
And for any athletes out there, you can remove your Invisalign and wear a mouthguard. just be sure to replace your liner after the game.
Another fantastic feature of the Invisalign system is that you can actually see the progress so if you smile as it happens. You won’t have to wonder about how your teeth will look when the plan is done. Your mouth also won’t be irritated by the metal braces. You won’t have to apply wax to the braces to prevent them from scratching cutting and causing bleeding on the insides of your cheeks.
The first few days of each treatment stage may be a little uncomfortable as the retainers work to shift your teeth into the correct position but this is often described as just a kind of pressure. It should subside after a few days.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment has been completed your doctor will likely recommend that you continue to wear a retainer. This is the same as if you’re getting traditional braces.
Retainers are needed to help keep the teeth in place after treatment. You also need to maintain good oral health this means you need to brush twice today and plus at least once a day is sure to follow any other recommendations made by your dentist after your treatment.
If you are interested in getting Invisalign aligners and you live in La Verne, California give La Verne Dental and Implant Center a call at 909-586-1155 to arrange your consultation today.