How does Invisalign work?
Ever spotted a favourite celebrity on TV or in a movie and wish you could have straighter teeth like them? While you may dread the idea of seeing metal brackets each time you look in the mirror, you're not alone. Fortunately, many patients have the option of using Invisalign clear aligners to straighten their smile.
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth and difficult for the average observer to see. they have no wires or metal that can poke the inside of your mouth. With this orthodontic treatment, you'll be able to straighten your teeth discreetly and address a number of dental health issues, such as:
- Clicking jaws
- Widely spaced teeth
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
Step 1: An In-Depth Assessment & Treatment Plan
During an initial appointment, your dentist will conduct an oral exam and assessment to find out whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you are, a treatment plan will then be created for you to gradually shift your teeth into their correct positions.
Before beginning treatment, we’ll take X-rays and use scanning technology to create models of your teeth. Throughout the process, we review your progress and record the movement of your teeth as they change.
Step 2: Start Wearing Your Invisalign Trays
You will receive a series of aligners for your treatment. These will be switched out every other week or so as treatment progresses. With each new aligner, your teeth will be slightly straighter than with your previous tray (your teeth should shift up to 0.25 millimeters per tray).
The aligners are made of clear plastic and worn over your teeth. They will gently and gradually move your teeth into place, following your customized treatment plan.
Once your clear aligners are in, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours every day. You should remove them only to brush, floss, and eat. Once you remove your final trays, you’ll complete the process by wearing a retainer full time for a designated period of time, then gradually cut back your use on a schedule determined by your dentist.
Step 3: A Straighter Smile
Invisalign can leave you with a more confident smile and straighter teeth (as long as your dentist’s instructions are followed through each step of the process!). Orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay because you'll have straighter teeth, which are easier to clean.
The dentists at Vic West Dentistry provide Invisalign to many of their patients. We can help you learn whether you would be a good candidate for treatment.