BB Braces Braces > Braces > What is Invisalign Treatment Like?
Many people know the basics of Invisalign. They understand that these orthodontics are nearly invisible trays that work like braces but are more subtle and removable as needed. However, many patients still wonder about the process. To help you decide if Invisalign is right for you or your child, here’s a look at the process.
How Long Does It Take to Straighten Your Teeth With Invisalign?
As is the case with traditional braces, the exact treatment time varies based on your unique situation. Some patients need orthodontics for over a year while others take a few months to complete treatment. On average, adult patients needs to wear Invisalign for approximately 12 months.
What’s the First Step in Invisalign Treatment?
Usually, the process starts with a smile assessment. During that appointment, we help you decide if Invisalign is the right option for you and review other options. Then, on the second appointment, you get the aligners fitted to your mouth.
How Often Do You Have to See Your Orthodontist?
With Invisalign, you usually see the orthodontist every four to six weeks. That’s actually less often than you would see the orthodontist for traditional metal braces. During those appointments, the orthodontist ensures that your treatment is progressing as planned and makes adjustments to your trays as needed.
Can You Take Out Invisalign Aligners?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can take out the trays. If you need to eat something sticky or just need a break, you can remove the aligners. You can also remove them for brushing and flossing.
However, for optimal results, you should wear them daily for at least 22 hours. If your child is getting Invisalign, there are small color-coded trackers that can be installed on the aligners. That makes it easy to keep track of whether or not your child is wearing the aligners as directed.
How Does Your Mouth Feel When You Take the Aligners Out?
When you take the aligners out, your teeth may feel a little loose. Don’t worry. That’s a natural part of the orthodontic process. As the Invisalign aligners shift your teeth into place, the movements cause your teeth to feel a little loose. Once the treatment is complete, the gums will close back in around those teeth, and they will feel just as permanent and unshakeable as usual.
With metal braces, small brackets are affixed to your teeth, and metal wires are connected between the brackets. Together, those elements work to move your teeth into the right positions.
Invisalign mimics this process with its attachments. Essentially, attachments are very small pieces of tooth-colored composite attached to your teeth. That creates small ridges. At the same time, the aligner has small indentations that hold onto the attachments on your teeth. Using these elements together allows your orthodontist to get the desired effect with your treatment. Because the ridges are composite, you don’t have to worry about them being noticeable.
If you want to learn more about Invisalign, contact our team at BB Braces Braces. We have locations throughout the Atlanta metro area, and we offer traditional braces as well as Invisalign.