Invisalign: A New Trend in Cosmetic Dentistry June 16, 2020 Posted by Monica Crooks Recent Home » Recent » Invisalign: A New Trend in Cosmetic Dentistry If you wanted to get your teeth straightened a couple of decades ago, you would have needed to wear uncomfortable metal braces. However, today, Invisalign treatment can help you improve your smile subtly and more comfortably. What is Invisalign? Invisalign is a cutting-edge and innovative dental cosmetic procedure that involves wearing a series of removable and almost invisible aligners that can help shift your teeth to their proper position. These aligners are made of durable plastic and are created to fit over your teeth individually and exert pressure on them to move them into their correct alignment. Unlike traditional metal brackets, Invisalign cannot be easily seen and can give you a boost of confidence when you are out in public. How Does Invisalign Treatment Work? Over 100 countries in the world use Invisalign treatment. To get your Invisalign trays, we will first assess the overall health of your mouth and teeth and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you. Once that is determined, we will take diagnostic x-ray imaging of your teeth and create impressions of your mouth. These impressions will then be sent to a dental lab that will develop a series of custom aligners for you. You will be required to wear the first set of aligners for two weeks and then replace it with a subsequent one in the series. Every time you switch your aligners, you will feel an added pressure in your mouth since these aligners are designed to shift your teeth. To get the results you desire, you will be required to wear these aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. However, you will have to remove them when you are eating or brushing your teeth. If you use them correctly, you can see a visible change in the alignment of your teeth in 18 to 24 months. People who have only slight cosmetic changes may need to wear these aligners for as little as 10 weeks to get results. Candidates for Invisalign Treatment Invisalign treatment may work well for small cosmetic dental issues, including: Overcrowding Gaps up to 5 millimeters between teeth Misalignment of teeth such as overbite, an underbite, or crossbite. Slightly crooked teeth Since Invisalign treatment involves the movement of your teeth, it is best suited for teenagers and adults. Children whose jaws have not sufficiently developed may require additional considerations before Invisalign is recommended for them. Invisalign treatment is also not as precise as traditional metal brackets, and some people with more extensive dental cosmetic issues will be required further refinement by wearing retainers or even orthodontic braces for a few months. For more complex orthodontic issues, metal brackets are still preferred. Benefits of Using Invisalign Treatment Invisalign treatment offers patients several benefits: Invisible: Since the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible when worn, which can help you regain your self-confidence. Removable: Unlike metal brackets, Invisalign trays are removable. Allows you to eat and take care of your oral hygiene. Comfort: Wearing metal brackets can be an uncomfortable and painful experience since they can dig into the soft tissue of your mouth and cause injury. However, Invisalign is made of smooth plastic material, which gives you no such issues. You may experience a constricting feeling when you place these aligners on your teeth; however, the discomfort is small. No Repair: There are no brackets and wires on Invisalign trays that can break. If the plastic is torn, you can easily replace it with the next tray in the series. Taking Care of Your Invisalign Trays Your Invisalign trays can accumulate bacterial plaque throughout the day, and if they aren’t cleaned regularly, they may become a risk of periodontal disease and cavities. To take care of your aligners, you need to take them out of your mouth, rinse them with cold water, and scrub them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Before putting them back on, make sure you also clean your teeth to get rid of food debris and plaque. With the right care, you will get a straighter, more beautiful smile without any adverse side effects. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, call Dr. Monica Crooks today and schedule an appointment for your brand new smile.
