Invisalign is a series of clear orthodontic aligners that slowly shifts teeth into proper alignment. Each tray is worn for a few weeks before being switched out for the next in the series. The treatment is less noticeable than traditional metal braces and requires fewer office visits. Patients can remove their aligners for eating and drinking, and to brush and floss. For those interested in learning more about this treatment, we address Invisalign frequently asked questions to provide further insights.
How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?
Crooked teeth are not just unsightly; they can also cause pain, unnecessary damage to the teeth and gums, and even lead to other health-related problems. Fortunately, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Invisalign is a great choice for adults and teenagers who are committed to following their treatment plan. It’s important to remember that if you tend to misplace or slack on using your trays, it is unlikely that Invisalign will provide the desired results.
It’s hard to say for sure if you will qualify for Invisalign until you have been to an orthodontic consultation and your dentist has assessed your individual needs. However, there are several indicating factors that may give you an idea of whether you can expect to get the results you desire with Invisalign.
How long will Invisalign take to work?
Invisalign is a great option for patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly without metal brackets and wires. The treatment process is usually faster than traditional braces and the results are just as beautiful. However, the exact duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on several factors.
For instance, if you have a mild case of crowded teeth, it may take as little as 8 weeks for Invisalign to fix the gap. But it is important to remember that gaps often reform after the end of Invisalign, unless you wear a retainer.
Invisalign works by slowly shifting your teeth into the correct position using clear aligner trays. You will switch to a new tray every one or two weeks until your teeth are straightened.
What are the risks of Invisalign?
The biggest risk with Invisalign is that if you don’t follow your treatment plan and lose or damage trays, you will have to come in for more appointments than with traditional braces. This can be inconvenient if you don’t live close to your dentist and have a busy schedule.
Another possible side effect is pain in the mouth and headaches caused by the pressure of the aligners. This is a sign that the trays are not fitting properly and should be checked immediately.
Other risks include a higher likelihood of demineralization (tooth decay) when wearing the trays as they prevent saliva from naturally cleaning, buffering and remineralizing your teeth. This is particularly true in areas like the incisal edges and cusp tips of your teeth.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
While many patients choose Invisalign because it offers a discrete option for straightening teeth, the treatment also has several other advantages. For example, Invisalign can correct bite issues and crowding without as much visible hardware as traditional metal braces.
Additionally, Invisalign allows patients to eat and drink as they normally would, since the aligners can be removed before eating. This is a huge benefit, as many people with traditional metal braces find that they are required to adhere to strict dietary restrictions to prevent food from sticking to the wires and brackets.
Lastly, Invisalign is often more affordable than traditional braces. Patients can use dental insurance, their Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, or even take out a financing plan like CareCredit to cover the cost of Invisalign.
Will Invisalign work for me?
Invisalign can correct a variety of dental issues including overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It can also address a crooked smile, a gummy smile, and an open bite.
However, Invisalign is not appropriate for every patient. Smokers and people with a history of gum disease may not be good candidates for this treatment. Invisalign can also be less effective for patients with bridgework or dental implants.
The biggest thing to remember is that Invisalign requires a high level of compliance. Patients must wear their trays at least 20 to 22 hours per day to achieve the best results. If they slip them out too often, the results will be less desirable. To learn more about whether Invisalign is right for you, contact a dentist or orthodontist who provides Invisalign.