Straight teeth aren’t only beautiful; they also lead to fewer cavities and gum diseases. If you’re looking for a way to achieve a perfectly aligned smile, Invisalign might be the answer you’ve been searching for. It offers the same results as traditional braces without sacrificing your appearance or comfort.
So, does Invisalign work just as well as braces? Read on for the answer, along with a breakdown of Invisalign’s benefits and what to expect during treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that corrects dental issues without metal brackets and wires. These transparent aligners are almost invisible when worn.
Not only are the aligners unnoticeable, but you can also take them out during the day. Removing your aligners gives you the freedom that traditional braces don’t, allowing you to eat whatever you like without risking damage to your teeth.
Invisalign Treatment Process
The first step is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider. During this consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will evaluate your dental situation and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
They’ll take X-rays, photographs, and scans of your teeth to create a digital model of your mouth. Your aligners will be made using this model.
Wearing Your Aligners
Most people will have to wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. For best results, wear them for twenty to twenty-two hours a day.
As a reminder, your treatment plan will differ depending on your goals and the severity of your alignment issues. Your orthodontist will tell you how long to wear your aligners and how often.
Aligner Changes
The average patient will meet with their dentist every six to eight weeks. During this appointment, you’ll get an update on your progress and a new set of aligners.
Duration of Treatment
In most cases, treatment can last anywhere from six months to over a year. Your commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed is key to achieving the desired results in the expected timeframe.
After Treatment
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have to wear a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth.
In some cases, you may be advised to wear retainers all day. In other cases, wearing them overnight will be sufficient.
The frequency tends to decrease over time. While it’s common for patients to wear temporary retainers daily during the initial year after treatment, usage may be reduced to a few times a week afterward.
Always follow your orthodontist’s guidance on retainer usage to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Invisalign Aftercare
To keep your aligners in the best condition, make sure to clean them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. It’s best to brush them whenever you have to take them out.
If time constraints make it difficult for you to clean your trays that often, brush them at least once a day. This should be enough to prevent food particles from building up and staining your aligners.
Remember to remove your aligners when consuming anything other than water. Colored drinks and sugary beverages can stain your aligners and leave a persistent odor, so they should be avoided.
Finally, always store your aligners in their designated case when not in use.
Types of Invisalign
We offer three types of Invisalign: adults, first, and teens. Age is a factor in choosing an appropriate treatment option, but the primary consideration is the patient’s dental health.
Invisalign for Adults
With its custom-made, clear plastic aligners, Invisalign for adults solves a myriad of dental issues-from spacing and crowding to correcting bite alignment.
Before getting fitted for this type of Invisalign, any tooth decay or gum disease must be addressed.
Invisalign for Teens
Traditional metal braces can be a daunting prospect for many teens because they’re visible, uncomfortable, and often associated with negative connotations (e.g. being a nerd or a geek). Fortunately, Invisalign Teen offers a comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
Like Invisalign for adults, it uses custom-made aligners to gently shift teeth into their desired position. However, Invisalign Teen has additional qualities that cater to the specific needs of teenagers.
One of the main features is compliance indicators. These are small blue dots on the aligners that gradually fade as they are worn. It lets parents and doctors know how well the patient is wearing their aligners and whether they need to be replaced.
Invisalign Teen aligners also feature eruption tabs. The tabs accommodate permanent teeth that haven’t grown in yet.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First is a special type of orthodontic treatment for children with baby teeth and permanent ones. This mixed dentition is most common between the ages of six and thirteen.
The clear aligners help guide the development of a child’s jaws while creating space for their permanent teeth to come in properly.
Invisalign First addresses a wide range of dental concerns commonly seen in children, including:
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Crowding
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Spacing
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Cross-bites
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Narrow dental arches
Because Invisalign First addresses dental problems at an early stage, it can prevent more severe issues from developing later.
By using comfortable aligners, this treatment eliminates the need for brackets, wires, and other appliances that can cause painful sores in your little one’s mouth. Plus, the removable trays allow for a more complete cleaning of teeth than traditional braces.
Does Invisalign Work?
Yes, Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth. The aligners apply precise, consistent pressure to the teeth, moving them into proper alignment slowly over time.
With adherence to the treatment plan, Invisalign may achieve the desired results faster than metal braces would.
How to Get a Perfect Smile With Invisalign
The benefits of Invisalign are numerous, including its discreet appearance, comfortable fit, and ability to correct a wide range of dental issues.
So if you’ve been wondering “Does Invisalign work?”, we’re here to tell you that it absolutely does! Don’t wait any longer to transform your smile and boost your confidence; book your appointment with us today. At Ello Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible Invisalign treatment in Pearland, TX.
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