Invisalign orthodontic treatment really works to align teeth in a more comfortable way than traditional metal braces. Instead of metal brackets, Invisalign relies on clear aligners that are custom made to position your teeth and bite. These aligners are smooth and clear, and are made from computer-generated images or scans that your orthodontist takes.
The Invisalign Process
While Invisalign’s modern aligner system is more comfortable than metal braces, the system is also less awkward. Invisalign aligners work by moving your teeth into straighter positions in incremental steps. Aligners are changed throughout the course of treatment, so that every time you place a new aligner in your mouth your teeth become a bit straighter. The result is a gentle pressure on your teeth, one that moves them gradually to match with the new aligner.
Each individual Invisalign aligner set is worn for one to two weeks. Patients using the Invisalign system visit their orthodontist once every eight to twelve weeks to be sure their treatment is progressing well.
Why Use Invisalign?
There are a number of advantages to using Invisalign aligners instead of metal braces for straightening. Most patients will find the process not only less painful, but far less visible than metal braces. They’re made from clear plastic rendering them practically invisible, and they can be removed from your mouth for 2 to 4 hours each day, while metal braces cannot be removed at all. This ability to remove the aligners allows for trouble free eating, and easy cleaning of your teeth. And, wearing Invisalign to straighten teeth can often take less time than metal braces due to the gentle, continuous nature of the forces. Metal braces can take as much as two years to complete straightening your teeth, while Invisalign commonly takes between 6 and 18 months.
Does Invisalign Work?
Considering how much more comfortable Invisalign is than metal braces, you may still be wondering if the process really works. The answer is yes – as long as you – or your teen – follow your dentist’s instructions for wearing the aligners.
Over the months that you wear Invisalign, you’ll be wearing between 20 and 50 different aligners. The number depends on you and your teeth: you’re both unique, after all. No matter how many aligner trays are worn, you must keep them in your mouth for the number of hours that are required daily. If you don’t – your teeth will not move into the position anticipated, which throws off the aligner fit, and can derail the straightening progress.
Besides the importance of wearing your aligners for the amount of time your orthodontist tells you to every day, it’s also important that you remove them whenever you eat or drink anything besides water.
And, do not forget to remove them to brush and floss twice a day, too, and clean your aligner with a toothbrush at the same time.
In short, wear them as directed, care for the aligners properly, and remove them when eating or drinking, and then, yes, Invisalign does really work.
Andover Orthodontics is Ready to Help
If you want to know more about Invisalign, our dental team is here to answer any questions. Call us today at Andover Orthodontics, for an appointment or simply to learn more about the Invisalign process.
