Invisalign
Invisalign is the name brand of a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made dental aligners to straighten your teeth gradually over time. Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. They can be considered both cosmetic and functional dental treatments.
Invisalign Versus Traditional Metal Braces
There are several differences between Invisalign dental aligners and traditional metal braces.
- Invisalign dental aligners are invisible. So, other people will be less likely to notice them, unlike metal braces, which have wires and brackets that are noticeable to others.
- Invisalign dental aligners are removable, unlike metal braces that are affixed to your teeth.
- An Invisalign dental aligner treatment can be completed in as few as six months, depending on the complexity of your oral issues. Metal braces typically take anywhere from 12-24 months or more.
- Invisalign dental aligners are much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Metal braces have wires and brackets that rub against your cheeks and lips, irritating your mouth.
What Types of Dental Issues Does Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign dental aligners are used to correct several dental issues.
- Crowded and crooked teeth.
- Bite issues such as an underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
- Gaps between teeth.
Invisalign dental aligners are generally more effective on some issues than others. Your dentist in Beavercreek, OH, will perform an oral exam and then let you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
The Invisalign Process
Here is what you can expect from the Invisalign process from start to finish.
Consultation
If you are considering Invisalign dental aligners in Beavercreek, OH, you will first need to visit your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for them. Your dentist will perform an oral exam to evaluate your teeth. If you are a good candidate for aligners, your dentist will develop a customized treatment plan for you.
3D Scans
A 3D scan of your teeth is now used instead of the old traditional impressions. The 3D scanner uses advanced technology to create a digital model of your mouth. The digital model will enable your dentist to create a treatment plan that is based on your exact needs.
Creating Your New Aligners
The 3D digital model of your teeth is sent to a lab. Then, a series of custom dental aligner trays are created based on that 3D model.
Fitting Your New Dental Aligners
Once you get your new aligners, your dentist will give you instructions on how to insert and remove them. They will then show you how to care for and clean them. Your dentist will also show you in what order you will need to wear them. It should only take you a few days to get used to wearing your new aligners.
Changing Out Your Aligner Trays
Every one to two weeks or so, your dentist will have you change out your old aligner trays and replace them with new ones. You will be given your aligner sets ahead of time, so there’s no need to visit your dentist each time you change aligners.
Every case is different, but in most cases, you will only need to visit your dentist every six to eight weeks so they can check your progress and make sure everything is progressing properly.
If your treatment isn’t making the expected progress, your dentist will take another 3D scan and send it to the lab for assessment. Depending on the assessment, you might need a new set of aligners.
Refinement Aligners
After finishing all sets of aligners, some people still need some minor adjustments. When that happens, the dentist will order some refinement aligners from the lab. If you have to wear refinement aligners, it could add another three to six months to your treatment time. Each case is different when it comes to how many additional months you will have to wear your aligners. But again, that’s only if you need them.
Retainers
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatments, it’s recommended that you wear retainers to keep your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position.
Depending on what your alignment issues were, you could have to wear your aligners all the time at first. Then, your dentist might tell you that you can gradually reduce the time you wear them each day. And, in some cases, you may only have to wear them at night or a few nights a week.
After that, some dentists recommend that you wear a retainer for the rest of your life while you sleep to help maintain the alignment of your teeth. That’s a small price to pay for maintaining a beautiful smile!
The Latest Innovations in the Way Invisalign Treatments Work
Invisalign dental aligners have come a long way since their inception. They now use a SmartTrack material, which is more comfortable, flexible, better fitting, and more predictable than the originals.
SmartStage technology uses an advanced algorithm to improve predictability, reduce unwanted interference, and help better customize each set of aligners for more specific movements.
SmartForce attachments are a recent addition as well. They use tiny, tooth-colored attachments that are engineered to the precise force needed to provide you with more predictable tooth movement. Not everyone will need to wear the SmartForce attachments; it will depend on your specific issues.
How Long Does an Invisalign Treatment Take?
Just like anything else, treatment times will vary depending on the severity of your oral issues. However, most people go through 20 aligner trays. This number of trays is enough for a year’s worth of treatments. Therefore, 20 trays of Invisalign will take about 10-14 months to complete. Again, you could get through your treatment quicker. Or it could take you longer. It just depends on your situation.
Do Invisalign Dental Aligners Hurt?
Most people find Invisalign dental aligners more comfortable than other teeth straightening options. However, you might experience some temporary discomfort at times.
When you first start wearing your new aligners and when you are transitioning to a new set of aligners, you might feel slight pressure around your teeth. But that feeling of pressure usually goes away within a few days. Invisalign aligners are meant to fit snugly and are designed to minimize irritation.
How Many Hours Per Day Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Aligners?
You must wear your Invisalign dental aligners for about 22 hours per day. They should only be removed while eating, drinking (except cold water), brushing, and flossing your teeth. You must maintain consistency when wearing your aligner trays; otherwise, the treatment won’t be as effective, and it could end up taking much longer to straighten your teeth.
Contact Keep Smiling Dental – A Reputable Dentist in Beavercreek, OH
At Keep Smiling Dental, we are dedicated to providing you with top-notch dental care. We have a modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. And we promise to treat you the way we would like to be treated ourselves. Come see the softer side of dental care for yourself.
If you are interested in getting Invisalign dental aligners, please Contact Keep Smiling Dental today. Our highly experienced Invisalign experts would love to show you just how easy and affordable straightening your teeth can be.
