How Invisalign Works – Ask the Experts
Wearing braces often means having to cover your mouth every time you laugh or smile to hide your unsightly teeth. Fortunately, the days of metal braces are coming to an end and it’s all thanks to a groundbreaking new orthodontic treatment option called Invisalign. This invisible brace can give you a better-aligned set of teeth and jawline and improve your smile without subjecting you to the indignity of having to keep your mouth shut whenever someone looks at you.
How does Invisalign work?
By now, you must be wondering how Invisalign works. Once your orthodontist determines you need braces, and you have chosen Invisalign, the technicians at the dentist will take photographs of your teeth and face, a digital scan of your teeth using a scanner, and digital X-rays of your teeth. These records are then sent to the Invisalign lab with specific instructions on what is required.
At the Invisalign lab, a series of clear aligners (also called trays) are made to exact specifications using an innovative multilayer polymer called SmartTrack material. This material was developed and patented by Invisalign. In the meantime, your orthodontist will use 3-D computer-imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan – starting from the current position of your teeth to the desired position at the end of treatment.
The clear aligners will be slightly straighter than your teeth. When you wear them, they will put pressure on your teeth and force them to move little by little (in very small increments). You will have to wear each aligner for one to two weeks before it is replaced by the next one in the series. This is repeated until the desired position of the teeth is achieved.
From the day your dental records are taken, it will take four to five weeks for the clear aligners to arrive from the lab. Once your orthodontist receives the aligners, it will take you approximately 12 to 18 months to complete the treatment. This is very quick compared to traditional braces that must be worn for two to four years. By the time treatment ends, you may have used between 20 and 50 aligners.
Do I have to wear the aligners all the time?
Invisalign aligners are not permanent fixtures like traditional braces. They are fully removable. You can take them out of your mouth while eating. You will not have to worry about your aligners becoming discolored or food getting stuck in your teeth within your aligners. You can take them out when brushing your teeth leaving no discomfort as traditional braces may do. In other words, Invisalign will not force to you make any changes in your eating and brushing habits. However, you are advised to wear the aligners as much as possible to hasten the treatment process.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
The advantages of Invisalign are so obvious they do not even need to be enumerated. The biggest advantage is you can take the aligners out of your mouth anytime you want to socialize, eat or brush your teeth. The second advantage is the aligners are invisible so you won’t feel self-conscious about wearing them. Another advantage is the treatment time is considerably shorter than with traditional braces.
Suburban Essex Dental is a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Paul Feldman, a highly experienced dentist will have the answers to all your questions about this innovative teeth-align technology. He can help you get your beautiful and youthful smile back with a customized treatment plan. View our website, give us a call or use our contact form to learn more about how we can help you.
