Invisalign offers orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth without incorporating the use of metallic wires and brackets. It involves donning a series of custom-fabricated clear aligners, made from thermoplastic, that move your teeth gradually and slowly into their ideal position. The clear aligners are fabricated using a computer-generated treatment plan.
Invisalign can treat mild to moderate orthodontic problems and improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws to enhance your smile and oral health.
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible and hard to spot, which means that you can straighten your teeth without sporting a metallic smile. They provide excellent teeth straightening solution for teenagers and adults who are bound to live their life with zero compromises.
Invisalign aligner trays are fabricated using smooth thermoplastic material with no sharp or extruding edges like traditional braces. They snugly fit in the mouth and provide a comfortable teeth straightening solution.
You can remove your aligners while brushing your teeth. It allows you to keep your mouth clean without the fear of plaque and food particles getting accumulated in vulnerable areas like with traditional braces. Also, the aligners can be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a cleaning solution.
With Invisalign, you will have to visit your orthodontist or dentist fewer times. Invisalign does not consist of wires that need to be tightened timely. Hence these aligners can easily become a part of your regular lifestyle.
Children involved in sports put themselves at risk of dental trauma. Children with traditional braces, on encountering dental trauma, puncture and injure their lips and inner cheeks with the wires and metal brackets present in the braces. However, with Invisalign, you don't have to worry about such scenarios.
Being removable in nature, Invisalign aligners can be removed while eating. You don't have to compromise on eating your favorite foods for the fear of them sticking to your aligners. You can eat whatever you want.
How does Invisalign treatment happen?
Below is a step-by-step guide to explain the procedure of Invisalign treatment.
Once you have found a dentist like Dr. Anne Murray who is experienced with the Invisalign treatment, book an appointment for an initial consultation. Your dentist will use digital and panoramic X-rays to determine whether you are an eligible candidate for Invisalign or not. You can greatly contribute to this session by communicating all your needs and requirements to your dentist.
If your dentist qualifies you as an eligible candidate to receive an Invisalign treatment, digital impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a 3-D images of your teeth, which clearly highlight the misalignment and bite problems. The images are sent to a dental laboratory that fabricates Invisalign aligners. A dental technician will formulate a custom treatment plan based on the 3D scans sent to him. The virtual treatment plan maps out the different stages of teeth movement that will occur over the duration of your treatment and your future smile.
The virtual treatment plan is sent back to your dentist for approval. If you and your dentist are happy with the treatment plan, your dentist will proceed to the next step.
Your Invisalign clear aligners are custom-fabricated using your unique treatment plan. You will receive 10-15 aligners, depending on the severity of your dental issue, which are to be worn over the course of your treatment. Each aligner is to be worn for a week or two for 20-22 hours each day.
You will meet your dentist every 6-10 weeks to monitor your progress with Invisalign treatment. Your dentist will make the required alterations to achieve the desired results. If need be, you may be provided with an extra set of Invisalign aligners.
Once your Invisalign orthodontic treatment is over, your teeth will have moved to their ideal position. Retainers are used to hold these teeth in their new position. Your dentist will provide you a removable retainer or fix a retainer at the back of your teeth to hold the teeth in their new position permanently.