What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a relatively new way to discreetly align your teeth. The process is similar to braces in the sense that you get evenly aligned teeth over a set period of time. However, Invisalign is unique in the sense that it appears “invisible” when you smile. Unlike metal braces crisscrossing over your teeth, Invisalign is made up of a series of clear plastic trays. The trays are fit perfectly and tightly to your teeth and they slowly move them into place over time. Invisalign is a major advancement in orthodontic treatments. It is popular for both youth and adults seeking tooth alignment.
How Are Teeth Aligned With Invisalign?
While it might tough to imagine a little piece of plastic reshaping your smile, Invisalign does work, gently aligning your teeth over time. It is an amazing new technology really changed the face of dental and specifically braces. It’s clear or invisible braces.
Invisalign aligns your teeth over a period of between ~9-18 months, although the exact length of time varies depending on the amount of tooth movement required. It is a relatively simple process involving a series of custom-designed trays. Instead of having brackets and wires on your teeth Invisalign is having a series of clear trays that snap on and off of your teeth. The trays fit very tightly and they effectively move your teeth into alignment over time, just like the wires and brackets in braces.
Your dentist will create a series of trays for you, each is slightly different from the tray before. They slowly shift your teeth into place.
The trays are translucent and appear relatively invisible when worn. The trays are removable, making them far easier to clean when compared to braces. Learn more about our Invisalign services here.
What Is The Process For Getting Invisalign?
Getting Invisalign is a relatively fast process. In your first dental appointment, you will meet with your dentist and they will examine your bite. Orthodontic records will be taken to determine the best method of correcting your bite/alignment and whether or not you need braces or Invisalign. Invisalign can align most smiles in the same way that braces can.
Once you have talked with your dentist about Invisalign and determined that it’s right for you, your dentist will need to take impressions of your teeth and bite.
Your customized treatment plan
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and the impressions will be sent to the Invisalign Lab. Invisalign then 3D prints your aligners to perfectly replicate your bite. The aligners are very tight and fit into place over your teeth.
Wearing your aligners
You are expected to wear your aligners for at least 22h a day. They can be removed for eating and brushing, but if you want your Invisalign treatment to be effective, it is important to keep your trays in at all times. Many people think that because Invisalign can be removed, they can take their aligners out at night or periodically during the day. The treatment will not be effective if this is the case. It will align your teeth only if it is on at all times, with cleaning the exception.
Checking In
You are expected to visit your dentist every 4-6 weeks to check the progress and adjust or change your trays. Depending on how much work needs to be done, you may only need to visit once a month.
Who Can Benefit Most From Invisalign?
Most people with a misaligned bite can benefit greatly from Invisalign. In general, braces are used for more severe alignment problems. Invisalign is the most beneficial for individuals with misaligned teeth who are looking for a discreet way to straighten their bite. Often this means adults and working professionals who have avoided seeking orthodontic treatments for fear of being seen in braces. Invisalign gives everyone the opportunity to align their teeth without compromising their comfort, oral hygiene, and appearance.
Benefits Of Getting Invisalign As Opposed To Braces
- Invisalign trays are easy to remove. This makes them easy to clean. You can keep your teeth clean and avoid the common problem with braces where food can get caught in the tough bracket and wires.
- Invisalign is clear and appears almost completely invisible. Its discreet design makes it popular with adults looking to straighten their smiles.
- Locally, the cost of Invisalign is generally the same as it would be for braces
- No difficulty eating certain foods.
Disadvantages Of Invisalign
Like anything, Invisalign isn’t perfect. It is meant to be the invisible version of braces, however, there are still some things that braces can resolve more effectively. Some types of tooth movement are still best or only done with traditional braces.
Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign
Find out if Invisalign is right for you! Let your dentist know about your orthodontic concerns. You can work together to figure out a plan that’s tailored to your specific case. Call us or come on into VCCID today for a consultation.
4 thoughts on “How Are Teeth Aligned With Invisalign?”
Thanks for the incredible insight into the advantages of invisalign. It sounds like an awesome product that will make getting my smile back much less painful and noticeable. It sounds like invisalign is still going strong at 20 years old. Thanks!!!
That is really nice that Invisalign trays are easy to clean since they are easy to remove. That is something I would want to have so they wouldn’t make my teeth all dirty. Maybe it would be good to get Invisalign so I can keep my teeth nice and clean.
I have needed braces for years but always thought that braces were to costly for me and frankly I didn’t believe that braces could really correct my teeth as they were really misaligned. I appreciate you educating me on the value of braces and help me understand how affordable braces can be. Thanks!
I like that you mentioned Invisalign braces are easy to remove and you can clean them easily. I would love to be able to straighten my teeth and make sure that they are clean as well as my teeth. I should talk to my dentist and see how they could work for me.