More comfortable than traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses pressure rather than pulling as an orthodontic treatment to align your teeth correctly.
Invisalign relies on clear aligners to position teeth. Your aligners are custom shaped from computer-generated images and impressions your dentist will take.
How Does the Invisalign Process Work?
Invisalign’s modern aligner system is both less uncomfortable than metal braces and less cumbersome. This is how the process works: aligners move teeth incrementally into straighter positions. The aligners are changed over time so that each time you place a new aligner in your mouth, your teeth are just a little straighter. Each subsequent tray is designed for teeth just a bit straighter than your teeth when you first start wearing that aligner. This results in a gentle pressure on your teeth - which doesn’t hurt - as it moves your teeth to match up with the aligner gradually.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
The Invisalign process is not painful, because instead of fixed metal wires like traditional braces, which pull your teeth into a new position, Invisalign uses only the clear aligner molds to straighten teeth, shifting teeth to a new and better position as your child’s teeth fit into the shape of each aligner.
Individual Invisalign aligner sets are each worn for one to two weeks; you’ll usually visit the dentist about once every six weeks, to be sure the treatment is moving along well.
Why Choose Invisalign?
You’ll find many advantages to Invisalign aligners rather than using metal braces to straighten your teeth. Made from clear plastic, they are practically unseen by others. They can also be removed for about 2 to 4 hours each day, while metal braces can’t be removed. Metal braces must be worn day and night, for 24 hours, every day, even if they’re uncomfortable.
Another advantage of Invisalign: wearing Invisalign to straighten teeth often takes less time than traditional metal braces. Metal braces can take two years to complete straightening your teeth, while Invisalign commonly takes between 6 and 18 months.
During the months that Invisalign is worn, between 20 and 50 different aligners are used. The number varies, but regardless, your child must wear them for the number of hours required every day. If improperly worn, teeth won’t move into the anticipated position, throwing off aligner trays and aligner tray fit, or derailing the progress made.
Dental Care During Invisalign Treatment
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is important, just like wearing aligners for the amount of time that your dentist says to wear them daily. Your child should remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything at all besides water.
Also, don’t forget to have your child remove aligners to brush and floss twice daily. Clean the aligner with a toothbrush whenever you brush or floss, and keep regularly scheduled appointments for dental check-ups and cleanings.
Choosing Invisalign
The Invisalign process is considerably more comfortable and convenient than metal braces. But remember, it’s important for a patient to be able to wear them every day, just as directed.
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you want to know more about Invisalign, our skilled dental team can answer any questions. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and helping your child have straighter teeth
