A more comfortable choice than traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a terrific orthodontic treatment that works to align your teeth correctly.
The Invisalign process relies on clear aligners designed to position your teeth. These aligners are shaped from computer-generated images and impressions your pediatric dentist will take.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign’s modern aligner system is far less uncomfortable than metal braces and less unwieldy, too. The aligners work by moving your teeth incrementally into straighter positions. Aligners are changed over time so that each time you place a new aligner in your mouth, your teeth are just a little straighter, and each subsequent tray is shaped for teeth that are marginally straighter than your teeth. This results in a gentle pressure on your teeth, one that moves them gradually to match up with the aligner.
In other words, rather than using fixed metal wires like traditional braces, which pull your teeth into a new position, Invisalign uses clear aligner molds to straighten teeth, shifting your teeth to a new and better position gradually as your teeth fit into the shape of each aligner.
Individual Invisalign aligner sets are worn for one to two weeks; patients using Invisalign will visit their dentist approximately once every six weeks, to be sure the treatment is progressing well.
Why Choose Invisalign?
For most patients, you’ll find a variety of advantages in using Invisalign aligners rather than using metal braces to straighten your teeth. Made from clear plastic they are practically invisible to others. They can be removed for about 2 to 4 hours each day, while metal braces can’t be removed. Metal braces must be worn 24/7 even if they’re uncomfortable.
Another advantage of Invisalign: wearing Invisalign to straighten your teeth takes less time than traditional metal braces. Metal braces can take two years to complete straightening your teeth, while Invisalign takes between 6 and 18 months as an average.
During the months that you wear Invisalign, you’ll wear between 20 and 50 different aligners. The number varies - after all, you and your teeth are both unique. Regardless of how many aligner trays are worn, you do need to keep them in your mouth for the number of hours required daily. If you don’t - your teeth won’t move into the anticipated position, which can throw off aligner trays and aligner tray fit, or derail the straightening progress you’ve made.
Dental Care During Invisalign Treatment
Along with the importance of wearing your aligners for the amount of time that your dentist tells you to wear them daily, it is also very important you remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything at all besides water.
Also, don’t forget to remove your aligners to brush and floss twice daily. You should clean your aligner with a toothbrush whenever you brush and floss your teeth.
Choosing Invisalign
The Invisalign process is unobtrusive, it’s easy to use, flexible, and far more comfortable than metal braces. However, it’s important for a patient to be able to wear them every day, as directed.
Tender Smiles 4 Kids is Ready to Help
If you want to know more about Invisalign, our skilled dental team can answer any questions. Call us at Tender Smiles 4 Kids today to schedule an appointment. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and helping your child.