Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses transparent, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. This method of treatment is less invasive and less expensive than traditional braces.
During the initial visit, a dentist will evaluate your crowded or gapped teeth and your bite. Then, they’ll create a personalized Invisalign treatment plan.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are removable trays that straighten your teeth without the use of wires or brackets. You wear each set of aligners for a certain amount of time, removing them only to eat and drink. Each new set of aligners is slightly different from the last, gradually moving your teeth until they have straightened to the final position.
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they are practically invisible, allowing you to straighten your smile discreetly. They are also less uncomfortable than braces, since there are no wires or brackets poking into your mouth.
You’ll still need to be careful about what you eat and drink while wearing them, as some foods can damage or stain the aligners. You’ll need to make sure you remove the aligners before eating anything hard, sticky or chewy, and you’ll want to avoid hot beverages as well, as they can warp or melt the plastic.
Many adults qualify for clear aligners, and the treatment is usually shorter than that of traditional braces. However, every patient is unique and will need to be evaluated in person by a qualified orthodontist.
No Brackets or Wires
Unlike traditional metal braces, which often poke and scratch the cheeks, lips, and tongue, clear aligners are nearly invisible. No one will know you’re wearing them except for you and your orthodontist. They look more like clear teeth whitening trays than metal wire braces and are designed to be worn in pairs throughout your treatment.
The key to Invisalign is its SmartTrack system, which enables the doctor to control how each set of aligners moves your teeth. During treatment, the aligners move your teeth horizontally, vertically, and rotationally. This allows the doctor to correct many different types of malocclusions – including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding.
While Invisalign can fix most malocclusions without the use of brackets or wires, some cases require the use of small ridges that are glued to certain teeth, called attachments. These ridges act as grips to help the plastic aligners move each tooth more efficiently.
Your orthodontist will affix the attachments to your teeth using safe, non-toxic dental adhesive glue. Once your treatment is complete, the dentist will dissolve the attachments without any lasting damage. The doctor may also recommend a removable retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position after treatment is over. Whether you need a retainer or not, excellent oral hygiene is still vital during Invisalign treatment.
Easier to Clean
Although clear aligners are virtually invisible, they aren’t impervious to stains. Stains on your aligners can make them look dull and yellow, and it’s important that they are cleaned regularly to ensure the best results from your treatment. Keeping your aligners clean is essential for ensuring that bacteria doesn’t build up on them or in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your aligners clean is to remove them before eating and drinking anything other than water. This will prevent food and sugary drinks from becoming stuck to them, which can cause them to turn yellow or brown. When you do remove them, it’s best to brush them with a soft toothbrush and gentle, clear antibacterial soap. You can also soak them in a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water for 20 minutes to keep them fresh and stain-free.
Many people use a special cleaning kit that includes a container for soaking your aligners, as well as cleaning crystals to help keep them looking like new. However, if you don’t have any of these products, or if they are too expensive for your budget, there are some other options for cleaning your aligners that you might not have thought about. For instance, using mouthwash or antibacterial liquid hand or dish soap can work just as well as these products.
Better for Your Gums
Invisalign is not only good for the appearance of your smile but it can actually improve gum health. The reason is simple: when teeth are properly aligned it makes it easier for you to brush and floss, removing food debris and harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water throughout the day, which helps promote saliva flow and wash away bacteria. Regular dental exams can detect any gum problems early and help you maintain a healthy diet.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of Invisalign, a periodontist can evaluate your mouth before starting Invisalign treatment to ensure that it is free from recession and ready for the gradual tooth movement required by this orthodontic procedure. A periodontist can even perform a simple procedure called a frenectomy to reduce the risk of recession as a result of Invisalign.
Whether you have crowded teeth or need to address more serious issues, the Invisalign treatment process is a fast, effective, and safe way to straighten your smile and improve your oral health. However, the results can vary depending on a number of factors, including your dental history and how well you take care of your teeth. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly during Invisalign treatment so that they can keep track of the progress being made and make any necessary adjustments.