An increasing number of people are interested in achieving a straighter and more esthetically pleasing smile and Invisalignis often a very appropriate solution. This orthodontic system is discreet and easy to use and provides predictable results. It is based on proven orthodontic technologies and is used worldwide.
What is Invisalign?
Instead of using conventional fixed brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign uses aligner technology to precisely reposition your teeth. The aligners are made from thin, clear, BPA-free plastic and are odorless and taste-free. They are custom-made to fit tightly over your teeth so they will gradually move into positions predetermined in your treatment plan. Once the aligners are in place they are very difficult to see, so this is an excellent treatment for adults who do not wish to wear highly visible braces. The aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear as there are no sharp parts that could dig into your cheeks or lips.
Who Can Have Invisalign?
It is important to have healthy teeth and gums which can be determined during your initial consultation. Invisalign is suitable for most adults and for some teenagers with good compliance, as the aligners must be regularly worn for at least 22 hours each day for treatment to be successful. This system can correct a wide range of orthodontic problems. You might want to find out more if you have an overbite or underbite, or an open bite or crossbite. Invisalign can correct problems with overcrowding and overlapping teeth or can be used to close or to minimize gaps between teeth. You can use Invisalignto bring teeth back into alignment or to reposition teeth that are rotated.
A Choice of Treatments
Invisalign makes several different systems including one especially for teenagers and which includes blue colored compliance indicators that fade when the aligners are worn correctly. It also includes several sets of replacement aligners which could be useful if your teenager is inclined to lose or misplace things. Another Invisalign system is more cosmetically oriented and is designed to correct the position of teeth seen when talking and smiling. It is excellent for making minor corrections to the alignment of these teeth but will not correct any significant bite problems. A cosmetically oriented brace will produce fast results since relatively few teeth are moved and treatment may be completed in a matter of months. If you do have more significant orthodontic problems then you will benefit more from Invisalign’s standard treatment and which will typically take a year or more to complete.
Why Straighten Teeth?
Most adults will pursue treatment because they want a more attractive smile. Numerous studies have shown we frequently form an opinion of a person within just a few seconds of meeting them. If you know your teeth don’t look their best, you may hide your mouth or will resist smiling when you meet someone new. As a result, they may find you cold or disinterested in them when the opposite is true. When you know your teeth look great we are sure you will want to smile far more often, letting your true personality shine through.
A straighter smile immediately looks more appealing and can be a nice boost to self-confidence and to self-esteem, but did you realize the potential health benefits of treatment?
You Could Gain Far More Than Just a Beautiful Smile
Teeth that are significantly crooked or misaligned or which do not bite together correctly could negatively affect your dental health.
When teeth are badly misaligned or overlapping, it can make it tricky to brush and floss thoroughly. Some people’s teeth are so tightly packed in that it can be nearly impossible to comfortably floss between them. Correcting the positions of these teeth will make it easier to comfortably and thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. This will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Ideally, when you bite down, most or all of your teeth should meet together correctly. This helps you to bite and chew properly and it spreads the forces created during biting and chewing. If you tend to bite down on just a few teeth, these will be subjected to far greater forces and are more likely to chip or crack and to suffer significant and premature wear. At the very least these teeth will wear down more quickly than the others. By correcting your bite problems, we can ensure your teeth meet or occlude together in the correct arrangement so you find it easier to eat while excess wear and tear on some teeth will be reduced, helping your natural teeth to last longer. At the same time, a correct bite will protect your jaw joints, reducing the risk of a disorder called TMD, where too much stress on these joints can cause them to become inflamed and painful.
Teeth that have spaces between them can easily trap food. This feels unpleasant and can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Using orthodontics to close these spaces will help to create a healthier and cleaner environment in your mouth and it should feel more comfortable.
Choosing to have Invisalign will certainly help create a more esthetically pleasing smile, but the potential health benefits can be far reaching and may last for life, making this treatment even more worthwhile.
What is the Treatment Process for Invisalign?
If you are considering Invisalign, it is best to book your consultation to find out if you are suitable. Next, we will take x-rays, photos, and impression of your teeth. Using Invisalign’s software, we will plan every single tooth movement. This procedure creates virtual images showing how your teeth will move, right up until treatment is completed. You can preview these images before treatment begins. Your aligners will then be custom-made for you. All you need do is to wear each set of aligners for at least 22 hours each day, for two weeks. This set of aligners is then discarded and replaced with a new set to continue moving your teeth. The aligners are removed whenever you eat and for brushing and flossing, so the impact on everyday life is minimal. It is easy to maintain good dental health during treatment and there is no need to change your diet. You will need to come and see us at regular intervals but these appointments should be quite quick since unlike traditional braces, there are no brackets and wires to adjust.
With Invisalign, a straighter and healthier smile has never been easier to achieve.
