Are you looking to straighten your teeth without using traditional metal braces? If so, Invisalign might be the right option for you. It is a series of clear removable aligners that are custom-made and can gradually move your teeth into place.
Invisalign is the perfect solution for people who are looking to straighten their teeth without changing their bite or wearing braces. It’s also great for anyone who has had difficulty with traditional metal braces in the past but still wants a straighter smile. If you’re considering using Invisalign or braces to straighten your teeth, read on to learn more about Invisalign.
Having been a popular treatment choice for adults who want to fix their teeth, Invisalign eliminates the hassle, discomfort, and cost of traditional braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign was created in 1998 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth. It is a series of aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth exactly, and can gradually move your teeth into place. Each set of Invisalign includes around 20 sets of clear appliances.
Here’s how it works:
First, your dentist or orthodontist will take an impression or mold of your teeth using a special putty-like material called alginate. These impressions are sent to the Invisalign team so they can create a 3D image of what you want to achieve with Invisalign treatment.
The results from this 3D scan will then be used to design a plan for moving your teeth. Each set of Invisalign includes around 20 sets of clear aligners, which are swapped out at regular intervals to gradually straighten your teeth into place over time.
During this process, you will have the opportunity to visit your dentist or orthodontist for a quick check-up every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is on track. As each set of Invisalign can only be worn for about 2 weeks, you’ll be able to monitor their progress more regularly than with traditional metal braces.
Your unique dental care plan will consist of three phases:
1. Treatment planning phase – During this initial appointment, the doctors will discuss what you hope to achieve in terms of how straight your teeth need to be and how long you can expect to wear each set of Invisalign aligners.
2. Adjustment phase – The next step is to determine the duration that your teeth will be straightened each day, making sure that you are wearing them for around 20 hours a day.
3. Maintenance/Retention phase – Once your teeth are in their optimal position, your dentist or orthodontist will discuss how long you need to continue wearing the aligners before the process is complete and leave you with a fantastic smile!
Why Invisalign is a better option
Invisalign is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth without metal braces. Invisalign uses plastic aligners that are individually designed and customized by the patient’s orthodontist, so they fit your mouth perfectly. This also makes them more comfortable than traditional braces.
The process takes about 18-24 months on average but can be shorter or longer depending on each individual case. When it comes time to replace an old set of Invisalign with a new one, you will have the ability to choose from different colors in order to customize your smile even further. Remember that when wearing these aligners, you’ll need to brush twice daily and floss every day because plaque buildup could lead to tooth decay over time.