The Modern Way to Straighten Teeth
In a world obsessed with beauty, first impressions matter. Beautiful, straight, white teeth exude confidence. Straight teeth are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but they're also easier to clean and less likely to experience cavities and other dental problems. Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular way to straighten teeth these days, and for a good reason. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, so you'll feel confident even while wearing them.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary way to straighten teeth and a great alternative to traditional braces. It corrects crooked teeth and bite problems without the bulky metal braces. Invisalign trays are virtually undetectable, making it easier for you to smile, speak, and eat your favorite foods without feeling self-conscious.
If you're one of the millions who wear braces, you may be too familiar with the many problems that can come with them. From the pain and discomfort of having metal wires and brackets rubbing against your gums and cheeks to the difficulty of keeping them clean, there has to be a better alternative!
Then came Invisalign. This well-known brand uses clear plastic aligners that are practically invisible when worn. It is clinically proven to cut treatment time by 50 percent, so you can quickly get the smile you want.
What is Invisalign Made of?
Invisalign is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a clear, patented material called SmartTrack. This strong, medical-grade, multilayer plastic was developed after eight years of research and testing 260 materials. SmartTrack has been specifically designed to move teeth gradually and predictably. The FDA-approved plastic is BPA-free and safe for long-term wear.
Who Can Wear Invisalign?
Teens and adults with all of their adult teeth can wear Invisalign. The best candidates for treatment are people with mild to moderate alignment issues who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Children aged 6-10 may receive Phase 1 treatment to develop their arches and jaws as they grow their permanent teeth.
Invisalign is ideal for people who are self-conscious about wearing metal braces. It is also a good choice for people who play sports or instruments, as there is no risk of the aligners getting caught on anything or causing injury.
People with severe dental problems may not be suitable candidates for Invisalign. Dr. Samani will be able to assess whether or not you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
What Does Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign works to treat a variety of dental problems, from crooked teeth to overbites. Teeth out of alignment can cause stress to individual teeth, leading to problems such as chipping and decay. Invisalign is also effective at treating mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems such as overcrowding.
Invisalign clear aligners help correct the following:
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Overbite (when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth)
- Underbite (when the lower teeth bite over the upper teeth)
- Crossbite (when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned)
How Does Invisalign Work?
This orthodontic treatment uses clear, removable trays to straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and are designed to move teeth gradually into the desired position.
Your treatment begins with a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. The dentist will use x-rays and digital scans to create a 3D picture of your teeth. The information is then used to produce a custom set of aligners you need to wear for 20-22 hours each day. You will visit your doctor every 4-6 weeks so they can check on your progress and give you new aligners as needed.
You should wear each aligner for about two weeks before switching to the next aligner. As you progress through the aligners, your teeth will slowly move into the desired position. Invisalign also uses the new Outcome Simulator tool to map out the exact movements of your teeth from start to finish. Now you'll be able to see your new smile before you even begin treatment!
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient; it can be as short as six months for mild cases. However, most people will need to wear Invisalign for about 12 to 18 months. After treatment, you must wear a retainer to keep your newly straightened teeth in place.
Invisalign versus Traditional Braces
In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces, Invisalign has many other advantages.
Because they are removable, you can take them out for special events or when you need to eat or brush your teeth, making it much easier to keep your mouth clean.
Invisalign is generally more comfortable to wear than traditional braces because it puts less pressure on your teeth and gums. Without the metal wires, there is little risk of irritation or discomfort.
With Invisalign, no brackets or wires need to be glued to the teeth, making it a great option for those who are self-conscious about their appearance.
You can enjoy all your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your braces. Simply take out your aligners before eating and don't forget to brush your teeth afterward. It's that easy!
Invisalign treatment is also shorter than traditional braces. Depending on the severity of the dental issue, Invisalign treatment can be completed in as little as six months. This can be a big advantage for those eager to get their braces off.