What is Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a transparent BPA-free medical-grade removable plastic aligner orthodontic system designed to fit snugly around your teeth. The aligners are fabricated using digital impressions of your bite to create a customized fit. Digital technology also enables you to see the movement of your teeth during and after treatment before starting the procedure.
What Problems Does Invisalign® Treat
Invisalign® can solve a variety of dental problems from minor gaps to moderate cases of crooked teeth to more serious malocclusion problems.
A few common dental problems that are resolved with Invisalign® include:
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overcrowding
- Open bite
- Gaps between the teeth
- Excessive overjet
- Mild overbite or underbite
- Crossbites
How Does Invisalign® Work
The goal of Invisalign® clear aligners is to gradually improve the alignment of your teeth using a controlled force. Specialized computer software helps your dentist design a plan for moving your teeth into the best possible alignment for a straighter smile.
Invisalign® aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day for the duration of treatment. Invisalign® gently shifts your teeth into the desired position. Each cycle of aligners is designed to move the teeth an average of 0.25 mm, so it is essential you wear your aligners for the recommended daily period, except to eat and brush and floss your teeth for the best results.
If you are interested in Invisalign in Derby, visit a qualified Invisalign® provider near you for a complimentary consultation and an estimate for the treatment plan.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an ideal orthodontic solution for patients with mild to moderate dental problems and who are seeking an almost invisible treatment option for professional or social reasons.
Invisalign® is appropriate for use by individuals of all ages, but it is recommended that parents use caution when choosing this method for their children. Teens tend to take their aligners out often, neglecting to wear them for the full 22 hours each day, and they can be easily misplaced.
Traditional braces are still the most effective and affordable solution for complex dental problems and wide gaps. Discuss your orthodontic treatment options with your dentist. The complexity of your case may ultimately determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Patients who have had orthodontic treatment in the past are typically good candidates because the treatment is usually cosmetic and takes only a few months.
What Happens During Invisalign® Treatment
Your dentist takes x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image of them and map out your treatment plan. Your customized aligners are created from the 3D image.
Once you receive your aligners, you wear them for two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Your dentist monitors your progress to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, every four to six weeks.
When you first wear the aligners, and when you change to the next aligner in the series you should expect to experience some discomfort. This simply means the aligners are working and your teeth are shifting. The discomfort subsides quickly, but you can manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Treatment time varies depending on the individual, but on average takes about 18-24 months.
After your treatment, you will be fitted for a retainer to prevent your teeth from returning to their original position, and so you can keep enjoying your beautiful smile.
Why Invisalign® is a Popular Treatment
1. Treatment is discreet
Unlike most other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign® is virtually unnoticeable to others. Most of the time, family and friends won’t even notice your aligners unless you draw attention to them.
2. Requires fewer practice visits
Traditional braces require more frequent visits to the orthodontist, while Invisalign® clear aligners allow for shorter, more efficient, and fewer cleanings with the hygienist.
Plus, once the treatment starts to work, the teeth tend to become more self-cleaning, making it easier to floss and brush efficiently.
3. No dietary restrictions
Metal braces and other alignment techniques come with dietary restrictions. Clear aligners are removed during meals and replaced once the mouth has been rinsed out. Since you are using just your natural teeth to eat, you have no restrictions on what you can eat.
4. More comfortable than alternative treatments
Since Invisalign® does not involve wire or traditional brackets, the discomfort experienced by the wearer is much less severe. Also, there is little to no irritation to the cheeks and gums, which eliminates cuts inside the mouth, which are common with most other orthodontic treatments.
5. Teeth grinding protection
If you have a clenching or teeth-grinding habit, the aligners can function as a nightguard to protect your teeth from wear.
5. Viewing the final results before treatment begins
The iTero intraoral scanner enables you to map out your treatment plan and view your progress before you even begin treatment.
