How Does Invisalign® Treatment Work?

Misaligned and improperly gapped teeth can ruin your smile and endanger your oral health in numerous ways. Fortunately, Invisalign® gives you a way to straighten your smile and protect your oral health without dealing with traditional braces. Traditional braces were once the only option to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. However, these braces consist of metal wires and brackets. While effective, the visible nature of these braces has been a cause for concern. Thanks to Invisalign, you can enhance your smile without sacrificing your smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear braces. It consists of removable aligner trays that are changed every two weeks. They’re flexible plastic, BPA-free, gluten-free, and latex-free.

Invisalign aligners fit over the teeth, moving them gently to the desired position. Invisalign aligners are custom-made according to your mouth structure for efficiency and comfort. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign can straighten your teeth much faster.

What Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

Invisalign aligners are effective in correcting numerous dental imperfections, including:

• Overbites
• Misaligned teeth
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Improper teeth gaps
• Crowded teeth
• Open bite

You might be eligible for Invisalign if you have orthodontic issues. However, it’s not a suitable option for some instances. Invisalign is less effective in correcting complex malocclusions and can worsen the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. Visit a dentist near you to determine if Invisalign treatment is a suitable treatment option for your condition.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Once you visit your dentist, they will begin by examining your mouth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. The dentist will create a customized digital treatment plan that delineates your desired transformation if you’re eligible for the treatment.

Next, the dentist will take images, digital scans, and x-rays of your teeth and jaw. Then, they will make a mold of your teeth to create the customized Invisalign trays. Once the trays are ready, the dentist will fit them. They may use special tooth-colored buttons or attachments to help move the teeth further. Every two weeks, you’ll need to wear a new set of aligners. Based on the complexity of your condition, the treatment typically takes 6-18 months.

After fitting the Invisalign aligners, the dentist will give you a few instructions, including:

• You must remove the aligners when eating or drinking anything. You can only drink clear water with your aligners on.
• Brush or rinse your mouth after eating and drinking before wearing the aligners back.
• You must wear the Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. It means that you won’t remove them when sleeping.
• You must clean your aligners every day. Avoid dropping them as they can break. Also, avoid hot water as it can cause the trays to warp and alter the fit. It can affect your treatment and cause extreme discomfort.
• Notify your dentist immediately if the aligners get damaged or cause significant discomfort.

How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

One benefit of using Invisalign is that they show results much faster than traditional braces. However, the exact time the treatment will take will depend on factors such as:

• The complexity of your condition. Patients with minor teeth misalignments might see results as quickly as within half a year. Severe misalignments may take over a year to correct.
• Patient’s compliance. If you follow your dentist’s guidelines strictly, like wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day, your treatment will be more effective. Wearing the aligners for less than the recommended time will delay the treatment.

Is Invisalign Treatment Effective?

As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions throughout the treatment, you’ll have your new smile in no time. However, Invisalign aligners are not as effective as traditional braces for complex misalignments. While Invisalign can do the trick, it can lead to lengthy and expensive procedures. In some cases, the dentist might recommend beginning the treatment with traditional braces and then transitioning to Invisalign. Consult your dentist to know whether this option is available.

Final Verdict

If you have relatively specific bite issues or misalignments and don’t want to deal with metal braces, then Invisalign is an ideal option worth considering. For more information about Invisalign treatment, contact Newburyport Family Dental.