Using clear, custom-molded aligners, Invisalign straightens teeth without the brackets and wires of traditional braces. The virtually invisible trays make treatment more discreet than traditional braces, and they’re often more comfortable too. Plus, you can remove them to eat and drink, which makes maintaining good oral hygiene easier. Invisalign removable trays are also less likely to get stuck on food like gum or hard foods.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth and improve bites. The aligners are made from a medical-grade, clear plastic material called SmartTrack. They’re free of BPA, latex and gluten, making them safe for people with allergies and pregnant women.
The trays can be removed to eat, drink and brush your teeth, which helps maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. They’re also easy to clean, and you can put them back in when you’re done. You’ll have to keep them in for about 22 hours a day to get the best results. Taking them out for longer periods will prolong the duration of your treatment and can lead to relapse.
Some dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Plus, some Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to pay for the procedure as well.
During the initial visit, your dentist will evaluate your smile for crowded teeth, gaps between teeth and overbite to determine the course of treatment. They’ll also take bite impressions and photos of your mouth to send to Invisalign. You’ll then return for a follow-up appointment where your doctor will check the progress of your treatment and determine if you need to wear your aligners for longer or if you need an additional series of trays to achieve your smile goal.
You may notice that your teeth move a bit as you go through the treatment. This is because the aligners are gradually moving your teeth into their correct positions. The length of time that you’ll need to wear your Invisalign will vary from one patient to the next, but it typically takes between 10 and 12 months for adults.
If you have crooked teeth, your dentist will recommend Invisalign to fix them. The process involves placing clear, custom-made trays on your teeth that will gradually and gently adjust them to their ideal position. This method is more effective than repositioning your natural teeth by flossing and brushing, and it’s less invasive than traditional braces.
Getting Invisalign before you have dental implants isn’t ideal, because it will require the implant to heal before your dentist can move your teeth into their final positions. However, it is possible to get Invisalign first and then have a dental implant added once your teeth are in their desired position. It’ll just take a little more time to complete your Invisalign treatment this way, but it’s still worth the investment in a beautiful smile!