Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners used to straighten crooked teeth. By wearing the aligners, you will gradually shift your teeth into place based on the movements your Invisalign® certified dentist sets out for you. It does not come with metal brackets or wires to tighten it. All you have to do is pop in a new set of aligners every two weeks until your teeth shift into place. The good thing about these aligners is that most people won’t even notice that you are straightening your teeth.
What is the treatment process?
Your treatment process basically begins when you talk to your dentist and schedule your initial consultation. Not all dentists work with Invisalign® so ensure that you talk to one that has received proper Invisalign® training.
During your consultation, your dentist will tell you whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign® or not. They will also inform you about the costs, insurance and any other concerns you may have.
If the dentist sees that you are a good candidate for Invisalign®, they will take impressions, pictures and x-rays of your teeth. Invisalign® will make 3D images of them and your dentist will use them to create a precise treatment plan.
You will receive custom made aligners based on your treatment plan. The aligners are made of BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your gums and cheeks. The good thing about Invisalign® aligners is that you can remove them when you want to eat or brush your teeth.
You will wear a new set of aligners every two weeks. Your dentist will schedule regular check-ups every six weeks. At every stage of aligning your teeth, you will be able to see changes.
How long will it take to straighten my teeth?
For adults, it typically takes a year while for teens it would take approximately the same amount of time that braces would take. For best results, you should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours every day throughout the entire treatment.
What are the advantages of Invisalign® treatment?
Invisalign® aligners can be easily removed which makes it much easier to clean your teeth and prevent tooth decay. Did you know that 50% of people who use traditional braces suffer from tooth decay because they cannot remove them for eating and brushing?
Some professionals claim that Invisalign® works faster than traditional orthodontics. In a study done in Indiana, traditional braces took 35.92 months while Invisalign® took 12-18 months to straighten teeth.
Invisalign® aligners are comfortable to wear and do not cause irritation or soreness on the tongue, cheek or lips as is the case with traditional braces.
Overall, Invisalign® is a good option for most people who want to straighten their teeth because it is esthetically pleasing, comfortable to wear, makes teeth less prone to decay and promotes better oral hygiene.
- Learn more about the Watertown Dentistry Invisalign®-certified dentist
Call us for more information (617) 600-3442
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