Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to standard metal braces, one that works well to align your teeth correctly.
The process works through a series of clear aligners that position your teeth. They’re changed out every one to two weeks. Your aligners are shaped based on the computer-generated images and a digital scan that your orthodontist takes.
How Invisalign Works
More comfortable and more convenient than traditional metal braces, Invisalign’s aligners work by incrementally moving your teeth into straighter positions. The aligners change slightly each time you put a new aligner in your mouth. With each tray change, your teeth are a little straighter. Invisalign puts a mild pressure on your teeth, moving them to match each of the aligners gradually.
You’ll wear each individual Invisalign aligner set between one and two weeks, allowing the necessary time for teeth to gradually straighten.
Patients using Invisalign visit their dentist about once every twelve weeks. That way your dentist can make sure the treatment is going well and your teeth are progressively moving to their final position.
Why Use Invisalign?
There are many reasons to choose Invisalign over standard metal braces for straightening your teeth. Invisalign aligners can be more comfortable for patients than metal braces. Made from clear plastic, they are practically unseen by others when you are wearing them.
Patients can remove Invisalign trays for 2 to 4 hours every day. Its recommended to only remove them when eating, drinking anything that isn't water, and brushing your teeth. Metal braces cannot be removed, and must be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
So, How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Whether used for teens, adults, or children, along with being more comfortable, Invisalign requires less time to straighten your teeth than traditional metal braces. Metal braces may take two full years to complete straightening, whereas Invisalign usually takes an average of 12 to18 months to straighten teeth depending on the difficulty of the case.
During the Invisalign process, you’ll wear 20 to 50 different aligners. That number varies because you and your teeth are both unique. Regardless of how many aligner trays are worn, it’s important to be sure they’re in your mouth for the number of hours that are required daily. If you don’t, teeth won’t move into the anticipated position, which can disrupt the use of the aligner trays, affecting fit.
Who Can Wear Invisalign?
The Invisalign process is effective for just about all ages, teens, adults, and many children, too.
Clear aligners are comfortable, easy to wear, and have less food restrictions when compared to metal braces. Just be sure that you are able to wear them every day as your orthodontist directs!
Ready to Learn More about Invisalign?
If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, our dental team is here. We can answer all your questions or easily schedule an appointment. Just reach out to us - we look forward to hearing from you!