If you are looking at options to get straighter teeth, then you likely have heard of Invisalign. You may have seen a commercial or heard from a friend about the wonders of this treatment. If you are a working professional or have an active lifestyle, these clear aligners may be better suited for you than traditional braces.
Before committing to this teeth straightening option, it would help to learn the basics of how Invisalign works.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is an innovative technology that has become popular over the last few years. Its rise is not only because of the results the treatment provides but also how easy it is for patients to use the aligners. You do not have to deal with wires and brackets that obstruct your smile and can cut the soft tissue of your mouth.
The Invisalign system is quite simple. Your dentist will provide clear aligners that you wear from a set period and then swap for another set. These trays will slowly move your teeth into the proper position.
The aligners are removable
One of the most critical aspects of the Invisalign treatment is that the aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours per day. Although it is essential to remove them when eating or playing sports, it is crucial that you wear the aligners as much as possible. If you wear them for less than 20 hours, you may likely see slower results or complications with your treatment.
It is also essential to remove them throughout the day to wash and rinse them off. During this time, you can inspect the aligners for any cracks or damage.
Each aligner is custom made for the patient
If you decide that you are going to use the Invisalign treatment, the dentist will take a computer model of your mouth. After this happens, the dental office will send the images and information to a lab. The lab will chart how your teeth should move and will create aligners to start the process.
You will receive your trays from the dentist who will then instruct you on how long to wear them. Typically, you must use a set of trays for two weeks and then swap them for another set. Each set is created to match how your teeth will look following the previous set of trays. Not wearing your aligners for the recommended time will make your trays ineffective.
How long does Invisalign take?
Although most people may assume that traditional metal braces would take a shorter amount of time to get straight teeth, this is not true. The Invisalign treatment typically only takes between a year to 18 months to give most patients a smile they will love.
That said, each person has unique needs. Only your dentist can tell you the expected treatment timeline.
Have more Invisalign questions?
Do you want to know more about Invisalign treatment? If so, call our office to schedule a visit. We can evaluate your teeth and give you more personalized information on how Invisalign can improve your smile.
Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
Check out what others are saying about our Invisalign® services on Yelp: Invisalign.