If you want straighter teeth and want to improve your smile, Invisalign may be the right answer! This treatment will straighten your teeth discreetly, and metal brackets and wires are not part of the treatment, which is why Invisalign is very popular amongst teenagers and adults. It is a clear solution that can help with mild and moderate orthodontic issues, and your dentist will assess your teeth to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment.
With Invisalign, you won’t have to place metal in your mouth, nor will you experience constant poking and scraping against your cheeks because there are no brackets or wires. Thanks to modern technological advances, metal is not part of Invisalign treatment.
How Does Invisalign Straighten My Teeth?
The technology is quite advanced, and every treatment plan is custom-made based on the patient’s teeth and needs. The treatment will fit your unique dental structure and shift your teeth into the right positions. You will first have to sit down for a consultation with your dentist to discuss your dental goals and what you wish you achieve regarding your smile. Depending on the orthodontic issue you’d like to fix, Invisalign may be recommended, and a dentist will start by using digital technology to scan your teeth. Sticky putty is not involved, and your scans will then be transferred to the Invisalign lab, where your trays will be custom-made to fit your smile.
Your dentist will review your digital treatment plan with you, demonstrating how your teeth will shift, and the final result. Once your aligners are ready, the dentist will place them over your teeth to ensure they fit perfectly. Invisalign trays may be tight at first, but this feeling will pass as your teeth start to move into the right positions.
You will receive a new set of trays every two weeks to move your teeth into proper alignment, and the trays will distribute pressure to specific areas. Your dentist will schedule regular appointments and verify your progress every visit. They will ensure your treatment is proceeding as expected and discuss the results and what you can expect.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
To achieve a straighter smile, patients must commit to wearing their Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours a day. This may sound easy, but because Invisalign trays are removable, it can be challenging. This treatment is recommended only for responsible teenagers and adults as commitment is required, and you must comply with all of the requirements if you want to see results. Failure to wear your aligner trays for the recommended number of hours will result in poor results, and no matter how tempting it may be to remove your trays, you must wear them at all times except while eating, drinking or completing your oral hygiene routine.
In addition to commitment, the dentist will assess your orthodontic needs and only recommend Invisalign if it can help with your condition. The technology used for this treatment has come a long way. While it was initially only used for minor crowding, Invisalign can now be used to treat a variety of mild and moderate issues, including:
- Over-Bite: If the upper teeth are in front of the lower teeth.
- Under-Bite: If your lower teeth project past your upper front teeth.
- Cross-Bite: If the upper and lower jaws are misaligned.
- Gaps Between Teeth: If you have unwanted spaces between your teeth.
- Open Bite: If your top and bottom teeth do not meet.
- Crowded Teeth: If your jaw has insufficient room for your teeth to fit normally.
If you require any fillings or crowns, a dentist can complete these treatments before starting your Invisalign treatment. Additionally, gum disease cannot be present, or at the very least, it must be under control to minimize your risk for complications. Your dentist will discuss your specific case to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Severe orthodontic issues may require traditional braces.
Invisalign or Traditional Braces?
While both treatments can straighten your teeth and improve your smile, they are very different, and most people gravitate towards Invisalign because of its many advantages. With Invisalign treatment, your teeth will look normal because metal pieces will not be placed on top, and you will be able to brush and floss your teeth comfortably. You will not face any dietary restrictions, and the trays can easily be removed before consuming anything except water.
Removability is perhaps the most significant advantage of Invisalign treatment, but this aspect can also become challenging because it can make it difficult to stick to a routine. Your aligner trays must be worn at the appropriate times, and they must be worn immediately after eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you forget to place them back in your mouth and do not wear them for a few hours, this can drastically affect your treatment and results. You cannot pop the trays back in whenever you want and must wear them at every moment other than meal times to achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted.
With traditional metal braces, treatment will be obvious because you cannot hide the look of metal brackets and wires. Brushing and flossing will take time, and you will have to develop a proper strategy to navigate between the brackets and wires. You will also need to avoid certain foods, as hard and sticky items can damage your braces, and you may need to visit the dentist for repairs. You might have to use special tools and develop special tricks to get in between the wires, but with Invisalign treatment. Thanks to the removable trays, you will not have to worry about oral hygiene challenges or food restrictions.
What is the Cost of a Straighter Smile?
No matter which option you choose, orthodontic treatment is not cheap, although a straighter smile is an investment, and the cost of treatment is worth it. If you have dental insurance, you may have coverage for orthodontic treatment as more and more plans are starting to include Invisalign in their policy. You will have to double-check this information with your insurance provider.
In terms of cost, this will depend on the complexity of your case, and your dentist will discuss the fee for your overall treatment. They will also discuss payment options if you do not have insurance, as this can split up costs and make treatment more affordable. A dentist will consider your budget and provide professional recommendations to help you achieve a straighter smile.
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign trays can become stained or damaged while eating food, and proper care is required. Remove your trays before eating food and place them in a container you can store in a personal bag. Do not place your trays on a napkin because they can be accidentally thrown out or forgotten at the table, and you will have to pay for a new set.
Brush your teeth after every meal and rinse your mouth to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in and on your teeth. Clean your trays with lukewarm water and scrub them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush but do not use toothpaste as it can be too abrasive and may discolour or cloud your trays.
Conclusion
Are you interested in straightening your teeth? Invisalign may be the right option for your smile, and Dr. Joseph’s Dentistry in London, Ontario, can provide more information! We will discuss the many benefits of this treatment and whether you are a suitable candidate. If crooked teeth or a cross-bite is holding you back from smiling, Invisalign may be a great choice. We will discuss your dental goals to help you make the right choice.
Invisalign is a convenient way of straightening your teeth, and the process will be completed at a comfortable pace. You will be able to clean your teeth and eat and drink as you normally would, and the treatment is barely noticeable. Additionally, fewer dental visits will be required, and your removable aligners will not only fix the current dental issue you are experiencing but also prevent worse ones from developing.
Invisalign will boost your confidence, and you may find yourself smiling a lot more often. Contact our dental office today to determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you!