Invisalign® puts the dream of a beautiful smile within reach of anyone wary of braces. The transparent, flexible plastic of the aligners is hard to spot, making clear aligners suitable for adults and teens alike.
There is more to clear aligners than their discreet look. They offer the same useful benefits as braces and other orthodontic appliances. They also require discipline and compliance to be effective. If you are considering Invisalign® therapy, you should find out what you are signing up for. So it is a good thing that you are reading this piece that details important facts about clear aligners like Invisalign®.
Clear aligners like Invisalign® are custom teeth trays that sheath the teeth in a tight fit. Dentists design these teeth trays to be a near-perfect fit. That small difference between the contours of teeth and the aligners creates the pressure that moves the teeth to better positions.
Dentists greenlight patients for clear aligners after an exhaustive evaluation. A dentist will go over their patient’s dental history and perform a visual exam of the patient’s teeth. They will also take x-rays and/or CAT scans of the patient’s mouth. If the dentist clears the patient for aligners, they will go on to create a 3D model of the patient’s mouth.
They will use the 3D model to chart the incremental movement of the patient’s teeth over time. The design software that helps with this task saves every set of movements as a set of dental trays. These sets form a series of custom aligners that move the teeth in stages.
Evaluation and screening are the first stages of most dental treatment plans. This stage of dental care allows a dentist to craft a treatment plan that addresses the patient’s unique needs. Dentists will recommend clear aligners for:
These are the broad parameters that guide who qualifies for Invisalign® and who needs alternative orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners treat moderate cases of bad bites, so they usually take about a year to work. Patients with minor issues can straighten their teeth in a matter of months. Those with bad bites of moderate severity may need up to two years to straighten their teeth.
Once the teeth reach their optimal alignment, the patient will have to wear a retainer for a while.
The teeth and the structures that support the teeth are living tissue with a degree of elasticity. This fact is what allows orthodontics to succeed in altering the alignment of the teeth and jaws. However, the newly straightened teeth will always want to revert to their old positions, just like a stretched elastic band.
This is where a retainer comes in. A retainer holds the teeth in place, keeping them from shifting back to their old alignment. The good news is that Invisalign® retainers are also transparent teeth trays that fit perfectly onto newly straightened teeth. A dentist will always instruct their patient on how long they need to wear a retainer.
A dentist will ask their patients to keep their aligners in place for 22 out of 24 hours. The trays should only come off when the wearer is eating or brushing their teeth. Failure to stick to this instruction will extend the treatment period.
The teeth may also fail to align according to the original treatment plan, causing the dentist to make adjustments. This eventuality often increases the cost of treatment.
Braces draw attention to the teeth, making them unsuitable for adults in work environments. Clear aligners solve this issue by providing a discreet alternative that comes off at mealtime or during teeth cleaning. Interested? Call us to find out if Invisalign® is the treatment that finally delivers your dream smile with minimal hassle.
Request an appointment here: https://www.belairdentalassociates.com or call Belair Dental Associates at (706) 426-5520 for an appointment in our Evans office.
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