What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. It involves wearing a series of clear plastic trays called aligners, which gradually move your teeth into the right place. It can correct both simple and complex orthodontic issues in adults and older teens, including:
- Overcrowding, where there’s not enough room for all your teeth
- Crossbite, where some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you bite down
- Overbite, where your upper teeth stick out in front of your lower teeth
- Underbite, where your lower teeth stick out in front of your upper teeth
- Gaps between your teeth
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is very discreet. The trays, which are custom-made to fit your teeth, are nearly invisible. Invisalign also causes far less discomfort than braces, in part because you don’t have to deal with metal brackets and wires rubbing against the inside of your mouth.
Why is it necessary to correct alignment issues?
It’s important to correct alignment issues for your health, not just because it results in a better-looking smile. Brushing and flossing are easier when you have straight teeth, and misaligned teeth are more prone to dental health problems, including cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. When left untreated, issues with the alignment of your teeth put you at risk for tooth decay, chronic pain, and gum disease.
What can I expect from Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of custom-made plastic aligners, which gradually move your teeth into the proper place. You replace each set of aligners every two weeks. They’re shaped so that they’ll perfectly fit the position of your teeth at the end of each two-week period.
When you have Invisalign, you come into Graceful Smiles Dentistry for regular appointments every six weeks or so. Your dentist checks on your progress and gives you your next sets of aligners.
Though Invisalign causes far less pain than traditional metal braces, you may feel slight pressure within the first few days of changing to a new set of aligners.
Another advantage of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners. For the best results, you must wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. That leaves plenty of time to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and floss as normal.
Invisalign treatment usually lasts about a year, but can be shorter or longer depending on how misaligned your teeth are. You also wear a retainer for about a year after treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting into their old positions.
To learn more about Invisalign, schedule an appointment at Graceful Smiles Dentistry online or by phone today.
