Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Having a beautiful smile can immensely boost your confidence. However, many people have a reluctance towards traditional braces. Braces can be uncomfortable, cause difficulty eating, and sometimes even be painful. Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative for teeth that are mildly or moderately misaligned or crooked. You may have heard the term before,but what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it work?

What is Invisalign? 

Invisalign is a treatment that is used to help correct misalignment of the teeth and treat over-and-under bites in patients. Clear plastic trays that can be worn throughout the day and night are given to patients to help with these issues. Invisalign has a similar purpose as dental braces. However, most patients prefer this type of treatment over braces, as they can easily be put in and removed when needed. Because Invisalign is transparent, it is also less noticeable than braces.

How does it work?

Invisalign is created to gently and gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. When you come in for a consultation, we will take photos of your mouth to examine your teeth and decide on the best treatment option. During this process, we can also see if Invisalign is right for you and the length of time it will take to correct misalignment. If this is the case, we will then take an impression of your teeth so that we can view a 3D model. 

Once you have received your Invisalign aligners, we will check that they fit perfectly and equip you with instructions on how you should use them. You will receive new trays approximately once every two weeks.

The amount of time that Invisalign needs to be used varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the misalignment or crookedness. On average, most patients use Invisalign for about one year. You should aim to wear your Invisalign for a minimum of 22 hours a day for optimal results. It is best to remove it when brushing your teeth or eating, as these actions can cause damage to the trays.

What are the benefits of Invisalign? 

Many people prefer this type of treatment since it has a wide range of benefits:

• It is a comfortable option. Invisalign will not cause irritation to your mouth, teeth, or gums. 

• If you feel self-conscious and are worried that people will be able to see your Invisalign, you don't need to worry. The trays are completely transparent, and the chances of anyone noticing them are slim. 

• Because the trays are removable, you will still be able to maintain good oral hygiene. Using Invisalign will not prevent you from brushing or flossing or make it more difficult to do so. 

• Invisalign has a shorter treatment period (usually about 12 to 18 months) compared to traditional braces and allows for more precise alignment of the teeth. Because of this, it is a fast and efficient treatment option. 

• Eating is not restricted. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove the trays and eat whatever you want without having to worry about food getting stuck under a metal plate or discoloration of ligatures. 

Invisalign or traditional braces?

Although Invisalign has some added benefits over traditional braces, choosing the best option relies on factors such as the severity of the misalignment, lifestyle, age, and what you can afford. When it comes to severe misalignment or overcrowding, braces tend to be a better option. They are also usually more affordable than Invisalign. Braces might be better for some children since they can not be removed. However, Invisalign is less invasive and safer for someone who regularly participates in sports since it will not cause any injuries to the mouth upon impact.

Are there any side effects associated with Invisalign?

Although it is a highly successful treatment option, there are a few side effects of using Invisalign.

• Patients may notice a little bit of discomfort in the beginning. However, this is normal as your mouth gets used to the sensation and will subside after the first few weeks. 

• Treatment requires a lot of self-discipline. Invisalign should only be taken out for roughly two hours each day. Not following this guideline can result in delayed or less effective treatment