Got a crooked set of lower teeth or an overbite you’d love to correct…but the thought of wearing a mouth full of metal is a deal breaker? Don’t give up on your dream of getting that fantastic smile. Invisalign® is changing the orthodontics game, making it easier and more comfortable for teens and adults to correct misaligned teeth.
What’s all the hype about Invisalign®? And are you a candidate for the system? Here’s what you need to know:
What is Invisalign® and how does it work?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic procedure used for fixing misaligned or crooked teeth. Unlike traditional metal or clear braces, Invisalign® straightens your teeth without all those annoying wires and brackets. Instead, the Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, customized trays called “aligners” that move your teeth into the proper place in small steps to the final desired position. Each aligner is precisely calculated and made to fit your mouth at specific stages of your treatment plan.
How long does it take to straighten teeth completely?
It depends. Your dentist first will take photos and scans of your teeth and then work with Invisalign® technicians to develop a treatment plan. After your dentist determines whether Invisalign® is a good fit for your particular issue, they send precise treatment instructions to Invisalign® to make those finely calibrated aligners.
How are the Invisalign® aligners worn?
Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks, only removed when you need to eat, brush, and floss. As you finish with an aligner and move onto the next one, your teeth gradually will move into the right position, week by week, until the final alignment is achieved. Some people use as few as 5 aligners. Most patients complete their treatment in 6-18 months.
How else is Invisalign® different from braces?
The brackets that Invisalign® aligners attach to on your teeth are clear, as are the aligners themselves, making the entire system virtually undetectable in your mouth. Most people won’t even notice you’re working on straightening your teeth! Food and plaque collect in the wires and brackets of traditional braces, which are hard to clean around. Without all that metal in your mouth, Invisalign® aligners are also more comfortable.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign®?
Straighter teeth will not only give you a brilliant smile but also help you chew, eat, and smile with more confidence. And, when your teeth are crowded or overlapping, you risk plaque and tartar accumulation, which leads to gum disease and tooth decay.Invisalign® is effective in correcting crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and crowded teeth.
Considering Invisalign® for yourself or a family member? Our dental experts at Loudoun Smile Center are Platinum Invisalign® Providers. Contact us for an appointment!