If you’re dreaming of a straighter smile but prefer to skip the traditional wired braces, then Invisalign braces could be your perfect solution. These clear plastic aligners offer benefits like invisibility and removability, setting them apart from standard braces. But you might wonder what the full orthodontic treatment involves. This guide will walk you through the whole process.
Understanding What Invisalign Is
In the world of orthodontics, there are many ways to align teeth properly. One of those methods is by using a tool called Invisalign. This method has grown popular in recent years for a few reasons. Here’s a basic rundown of what it involves.
What is Invisalign?
- Invisalign is a type of braces, and like all braces, its primary aim is to align teeth in the right way.
- What sets Invisalign apart from other types of braces is that it’s transparent. Meaning, it’s clear and thus less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
- People around the world are using Invisalign for straightening their teeth and correcting bites. It is also known to improve the aesthetics of orthodontics.
How Does Invisalign Work?
- Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic aligners.
- These aligners are not one-size-fits-all. They’re instead custom-fit for every individual. This means that the aligners are designed specifically for your mouth and teeth. That’s how they help in achieving better teeth positioning gradually.
- Every two weeks, the aligners are replaced with new ones. This continuous replacement helps to adjust the position of the teeth over time.
Advantages of Invisalign
- One big advantage of Invisalign is that you can take them off, unlike traditional braces.
- You can remove the aligners while eating meals or when brushing your teeth. This provides more freedom than you would typically get with convention braces.
What to consider with Invisalign
- While Invisalign offers many advantages, the success of this treatment really depends on the patient’s commitment to the process.
- For it to work, the patient must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day.
- Failure to follow this instruction can delay the treatment process and lead to less than optimal results.
Invisalign is a transparent orthodontic device that straightens teeth and corrects bites. Its success is largely dependent on the patient’s commitment to the treatment schedule. They serve as a great solution for all ages to solve common orthodontic conditions.
When looking at specific cases like overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gap teeth fixing, finding a trusted Surrey orthodontist for your family who can guide you through the process and offer personalized orthodontic advice is important.
Consulting with an Orthodontist
If you’re considering Invisalign braces to address orthodontic issues, the first step would be to discuss your options with an orthodontist. During this professional dental advice, you’ll be able to discuss your concerns, learn about how Invisalign works, and set your teeth straightening goals.
An initial examination might include an oral assessment to observe tooth shape, tooth position, and overall oral health condition. Here you can also discover more about the potential advantages and Invisalign limitations, which will help you make an informed decision.
Digital Scanning and Treatment Plan Development
In the initial stages of the teeth straightening process, a high-end 3D scanner is used to create a digital impression of the patient’s teeth. This innovative dental technology eliminates the need for messy physical impressions.
Based on these scans, the orthodontist will design a personalized treatment plan. They will map the precise movement of your teeth and give a clear visualization of your orthodontic experience with Invisalign, presenting an accurate representation of your treatment outcome before even starting.
Creation and Wearing of the Custom Aligners
Using the 3D scans, a series of clear plastic aligners are manufactured to fit your teeth perfectly. Each aligner is engineered to apply the right amount of force to the correct locations. It’s recommended to wear each set for about two weeks before changing to the next one.
The orthodontic treatment requires regular check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. This will allow the orthodontist to ensure your teeth are moving as planned and provide the next series of aligners.
For more complex cases like tooth rotation, teeth tilting, severe tips, or advanced orthodontic issues, you might require attachments to Invisalign, which are small tooth-colored buttons that help to anchor the aligners.
Retention Phase
Orthodontic treatment involves moving your teeth to a desired alignment. Once you reach this spot, the treatment doesn’t stop. You then move into the next phase, called the retention phase. This article provides a basic understanding of this all-important step in orthodontic treatment.
What is the Retention Phase?
- After your teeth reach the desired position through orthodontic treatment, you begin the retention phase.
- The purpose of this phase is to hold your teeth in their new position. This prevents them from moving back to their previous place.
- In this phase, a device called a retainer is used. This can be a fixed bridge or a removable one. Each is individually tailored to fit your teeth perfectly.
Maintaining Your Newly Aligned Teeth
- The retention phase is all about maintenance. It ensures that the progress made with orthodontic treatment is preserved.
- An essential part of this maintenance is using the retainer as instructed by the orthodontist.
- Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day also play a crucial role.
Regular Dental Visits
- Visiting your dentist regularly is also a crucial part of the retention phase.
- These routine check-ups allow the dentist to keep an eye on your teeth and make sure everything is as it should be.
- These regular visits can help identify any potential issues early on and ensure your smile remains perfect.
Finding and choosing the right treatment option could be challenging. However, with the right help from your orthodontist, you can find your trusted orthodontist in Langley, BC. Together, you can achieve the smile of your dreams effortlessly and discreetly.
To End
In conclusion, Invisalign braces can offer an effective, affordable, and comfortable teeth straightening and oral health improvement solution. With its clear design, ease of use, and removable feature, it appeals to many people looking to enhance their smiles without the aesthetic challenge of traditional braces. However, remember that the success of any orthodontic solution largely depends on the commitment and determination to adhere to expert advice.