How Does Invisalign Work?
If you haven’t heard about Invisalign by now you are likely part of the minority. Invisalign technology went public in 2001. So, the product is old news by now. But it’s still the latest and greatest when it comes to getting you the straight teeth you want. Whether who know all about Invisalign results or have never heard of the technology before, we’re answering all your questions here. How does Invisalign work? Let’s dig in!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Let’s face it! Today’s image-driven society means most people want a beautiful smile. Society tells us that beautiful means white, sparkling teeth, and they also need to be straight! Having braces years ago meant that you needed to endure months (sometimes years) of metal brackets and wires.
The term “metal mouth” became a popular nickname for those wearing braces. In today’s society, metal mouth might not be something you want to endure to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. That’s where Invisalign comes into play. To understand how does Invisalign work, you need to understand how the technology is created and why.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. That means you can get the beautiful, straight smile you’ve been looking for without any metal wires or brackets necessary. Instead of traditional braces that are glued to the front of your teeth and connected with wires, Invisalign works with a series of trays that gradually move your teeth into place.
During your initial consultation, you can expect your orthodontist to go over all your questions about how does Invisalign work. If you are ready to start treatment, you will begin by having a digital scan of your teeth done. Once the scan is processed, you’ll get a series of trays that will be changed every two weeks.
Each tray is made to move your teeth to a slightly different place than the tray before, approximately 0.25 mm per tray. Every two weeks, you’ll get a new tray that will move your teeth closer to where you want them to be. This saves you from having to use traditional metal wires and brackets. The aligners are clear and barely noticeable, making the perfect option for straight teeth today!
What to Expect
Alongside how does Invisalign work, the next question people ask is what to expect throughout the treatment process. The first step in the process is to meet with your orthodontist to take the Invisalign Smile Assessment. This will help determine whether or not Invisalign is the right treatment for you. Your orthodontist will answer any questions you have on how does Invisalign work.
Be sure you find an orthodontist who is trained to provide Invisalign treatment to patients. Keep in mind that just because the treatment is so popular doesn’t mean that all orthodontists use it. After your consultation, you and your orthodontic treatment provider will create a treatment plan that works to meet your specific needs.
Treatment plans include 3-D images of your teeth and a plan of action on how they will move to achieve your specific goal. The images are used to create the custom-made Invisalign aligners that will help you get the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. As mentioned earlier, you’ll get a new set of aligners every two weeks. This will continue until your teeth have shifted to their final spot where you achieve the smile you’ve envisioned.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Another popular question that comes with how does Invisalign work is how long does it take? When it comes to Invisalign treatment, the timeframe truly depends on the patient. Every person’s goals are different and their starting point is as well. So, some patients will require a shorter treatment time while others will require longer.
The average adult case generally requires around 12 months of treatment. When it comes to teens, however, treatment varies. While treatment time is hard to predict, your orthodontist should have an estimated time frame when you meet to discuss your treatment. Just try to keep in mind that you may come across some bumps in the road that delay your treatment time.
What Types of Problems Does Invisalign Fix?
Now you may be wondering, how does Invisalign work with the type of issue I have? The great news about Invisalign is that it can help treat a variety of issues most patients commonly face. The type of dental problems that can be fixed by Invisalign include:
- Gapped teeth or malocclusion
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
In addition to the fact that Invisalign can help improve these issues, it also helps your overall dental health. That’s because treating these common dental issues will also treat the result of these issues. That includes poor oral hygiene, long-term plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. Many orthodontists suggest Invisalign treatment because it will help promote the best possible oral health for your mouth.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Finally, you might wonder how does Invisalign work into my life? The great news is that Invisalign treatment is so convenient that it works into almost every lifestyle perfectly. It’s important to wear Invisalign aligners as part of your daily routine, but they are more convenient than traditional braces. That’s because you can take them out when you eat or when you have a big, important event.
The convenience of being able to temporary remove Invisalign aligners means that you don’t have to worry that something will get stuck in your wires or braces. Furthermore, you don’t need to worry that the once in a lifetime pictures you’re taking will be a permanent reminder of your metal mouth. Now that you know how does Invisalign work with any lifestyle, it’s important to remember this.
While Invisalign is great for any lifestyle, you need to be sure you wear them as directed. And you should stay on top of cleaning your aligners. Brush them as you would brush your teeth. Keep them in a safe place when you aren’t wearing them. Be sure you continue the proper oral hygiene routine as suggested by your dentist. And, most importantly, when you are finished with your treatment, ENJOY your beautiful smile!
So, there you have it! We’ve answered the most common questions on how does Invisalign work. Our goal is to provide the most convenient, quality care to help you achieve all your goals when it comes to your smile. For more information on Invisalign treatment costs and to schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call! At My Smile Orthodontics, we’re here to make you shine. Our goal is your happiness. Thanks for your trust and investment in our passion!