Traditional braces can be unsightly for many adults, so knowing another way to straighten your smile is good. Invisalign is a clear retainer-based correction system that can provide the same results without the discomfort and inconvenience of metal braces. For more information, just visit Invisalign In Las Vegas to proceed.
This treatment can correct problems such as crooked teeth, teeth gaps, and overbite. Read on to find out more about how Invisalign works.
Invisalign is a transparent aligner that straightens teeth without wires or metal devices in your mouth. It consists of custom-made, clear trays to fit your mouth. These trays are removable, so you can still eat and drink what you want and brush your teeth easily. You must keep your trays in for about 20 – 22 hours daily. They only need to be removed when you are eating or drinking and for cleaning.
The aligners are made from a medical-grade plastic that is virtually invisible and comfortable to wear. They use an advanced technology called the iTero digital scanner, which eliminates the need for impressions and gagging and is much faster than traditional braces.
Patients with healthy teeth can usually undergo Invisalign treatment, though this rule has some exceptions. Patients with a history of gum disease may need to undergo more intensive therapy or may be better candidates for traditional braces. Patients undergoing Invisalign must maintain regular appointments to ensure the trays are worn properly and progressing toward their desired results.
The first step in the Invisalign process is for the dentist to assess the health of the patient’s teeth and determine if they are appropriate for the Invisalign service. If they are, the dentist will create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth to guide the aligners, which the Invisalign lab makes. The trays will be changed every one to two weeks for the duration of the Invisalign treatment.
Some pre-treatment work may need to be done before Invisalign can begin, such as an interproximal reduction (IPR) procedure. This is where the dentist will gently polish minimal amounts of the enamel on the teeth to create small spaces between them, allowing them to move more freely during alignment.
Invisalign can cause discomfort during the first few days of wearing it as the tongue gets accustomed to fitting inside the smaller trays’ space. This is normal and should pass after a few days. Some patients also find that their speech changes slightly during this time, as the trays can take up some of the tongue’s space. However, these issues are usually resolved after a few days or a week.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign straightens teeth using clear BPA-free plastic aligner trays. During an initial consultation, a dentist will perform X-rays and digital scans of the patient’s mouth and teeth. They will then input this information into a software system to create a 3D mockup of how the teeth will move throughout the Invisalign treatment. This data will then be sent to an off-site lab where the clear aligner trays will be fabricated.
The trays are customized to fit snugly around the mouth, applying pressure to the specific areas that need to be moved. This process is incredibly accurate, and it is what makes Invisalign such an effective orthodontic solution. The clear aligners are also very discreet, meaning patients can straighten their teeth without worrying about a dreaded “metal mouth.”
Invisalign can address common tooth and bite issues, including overbites, underbites, cross, and open bites. The customized trays gently adjust the position of the teeth to correct these problems and create a healthier, more beautiful smile. The trays are easy to wear and easily removed for mealtimes, brushing, and flossing. However, it is important to remember that the trays must be worn for at least 20 hours each day to ensure they work properly.
Patients should always keep their trays clean and remove them before eating or drinking. Otherwise, food and liquid can enter the trays, leading to bacteria along the teeth and gumline. Patients should also properly store their aligners when they are not wearing them. If they are stored correctly, they may be recovered or broken. This can significantly prolong the Invisalign treatment time and negatively impact results.
During the Invisalign treatment, you might experience minor discomfort and soreness as the teeth move into new positions. This is a normal process and should subside after a few days. Using toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth is also a good idea, as this will help mitigate any discomfort during this time.
Besides a straighter smile, there are other benefits of Invisalign. For instance, it eliminates the food restrictions of traditional braces. Patients can take their aligner trays out while they eat, brush their teeth, and floss. This allows them to enjoy their favorite foods without worrying about the food stuck in or around the brackets of their braces (although proper dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing after eating, is critical for anyone wearing Invisalign).
Since the clear plastic of the trays is transparent, they are less visible than metal braces. This can boost a patient’s self-esteem, especially during the initial weeks of wear when the tongue needs to get used to having the trays in their mouth all day.
Invisalign is also more comfortable than traditional braces. The trays are removable, so patients can remove them before meals or snacks and put them back in. This way, they can avoid the hard, chewy, or sticky foods that can cause discomfort with traditional braces.
The trays are also easy to clean. They can be rinsed under running water or cleaned with a toothbrush and some toothpaste. This can help ensure that bacteria and plaque are not building up on the trays, which could lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
Another benefit of Invisalign is that it can help to improve a patient’s speech. Crooked teeth can lead to various speech issues, including lisps and speech impediments. By straightening the teeth, Invisalign can help to restore a patient’s confidence in their speech abilities.
Another advantage of Invisalign is that it is often more affordable than traditional braces. This is because no metal wires and brackets are involved, so the overall cost of treatment is usually lower. In addition, many orthodontists offer monthly payment plans to make it easier for patients to afford Invisalign.
You are a candidate for Invisalign if you have crooked teeth or an improper bite. These issues can not only affect your confidence, but if addressed, they can lead to dental health complications. Fortunately, Invisalign can correct most of these problems. Invisalign can help treat underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth. Invisalign can also be used to straighten teeth that are overlapping or have been shifted due to an injury or gum disease.
The treatment will involve wearing a series of clear aligners that will be replaced regularly. During this time, you will experience some discomfort as your teeth move into place. This is similar to the experience of traditional braces and should subside shortly after each tray change. You may also notice a bit of enhanced tooth sensitivity, but a good toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help mitigate this.
One of the most important factors in determining whether Invisalign is right for you is your ability to commit to wearing your aligners. You will need to wear them for around 22 hours each day to ensure that you see results. If you need to remember to wear them or are easily distracted, consider other options for straightening your smile.
Additionally, visiting your dentist or orthodontist for routine checkups during your Invisalign treatment would be best. This will allow them to ensure that your treatment is progressing as expected and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Invisalign is a great option for patients looking to straighten their smile discreetly and less invasively than traditional braces. It can correct orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite misalignment. However, it is not a suitable option for everyone, and some cases of severe alignment issues will require more invasive treatment. During your consultation, your dentist will be able to assess your situation and let you know if Invisalign is the right solution for you. If not, they will be able to recommend a different treatment.