If you have particularly crooked teeth, there is now an alternative to braces to straighten them. Invisalign in Essex is an innovative dental straightening method that is not only helping people re-align their teeth, but is also avoiding the unsightly, confidence-sapping braces of old.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a set of clear aligners, made from a flexible thermoplastic, that are custom-made to your teeth. They are designed to wear over your teeth and gradually straighten by applying gentle pressure in the right places, under the guidance of your dentist.
The benefit of the aligners is that they are virtually invisible, so most people won’t be aware that you are wearing them. They are also removable to make it easier for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. This avoids the metal wires and bands that are usually associated with teeth straightening braces which can cause irritation, and damage to your gums and have an impact on your social life and confidence.
What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?
As well as the look being far more preferable to wire braces, there are other benefits to Invisalign:
- They are almost invisible when wearing them, unlike metal braces, allowing you to continue all your normal activities with confidence.
- They are more convenient and can be immediately removed, when necessary.
- They don’t present any difficulties with eating and drinking as they can be removed, avoiding the problem of food getting caught.
- There is no discomfort when wearing the aligners, unlike metal braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your teeth are used to make each aligner exactly for your teeth at each stage of the straightening treatment, which is around every 2 weeks, with small adjustments each time to gradually adjust and re-align your teeth.
Although you can remove the aligner to eat and for cleaning your teeth, it is important they are worn for at least 22 hours of the day to get the best results.
The results largely depend on your teeth and how crooked or misaligned they are. You will need to make regular visits to your dentist – usually every 8-12 weeks – to make sure the treatment is progressing, that there are no problems, such as bleeding, and to make any adjustments necessary to continue the straightening process.
Most Invisalign treatments can take between 8 months and 2 years. Towards the end of the straightening process, your dentist will apply a teeth whitening procedure to ensure your smile is as bright as it is now straight.
Is Invisalign A Painful Process?
In comparison to traditional style braces and train tracks, where metal and wires can rub against your gums and damage your teeth, Invisalign is a relatively painless procedure. However, you will feel an initial slight pressure when you wear the aligners for the first time. This is because your teeth will be adjusting to the straightening process.
If you have particularly crooked, misaligned teeth, or any bite issues, Invisalign could be the right process to straighten your teeth and correct your bite without causing any impact on your life. Otherwise, you can always consult your dentist if you need something else, like dental implants boynton beach. A dental expert should be able to give you good advice.
