What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure designed to straighten teeth using a series of transparent plastic trays or aligners, rather than traditional braces. Many adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional metal-and-wire braces look to Invisalign as an alternative. Users can remove their Invisalign trays when they eat, brush their teeth, and floss their teeth. However, they are most effective when they are worn for 20 to 22 hours each day.
Invisalign aligners should be simple to apply, generally comfortable to wear, and nearly imperceptible to others when worn. Clear aligners such as Invisalign can be used to close gaps between teeth, reduce crowding, and realign teeth.
Invisalign may also help with issues concerning overbites & underbites, and even open bites (when the upper and lower teeth don't meet, which can cause trouble when chewing).
How does Invisalign Work?
Think of your Invisalign aligners as a traditional teeth whitening tray and you'll be on your way to knowing what your aligners will look like.
Beginning with a dental impression of your mouth, Invisalign lab technicians will create a series of custom aligners tailored to your unique needs to encourage your teeth to move into their new positions.
You should expect to change aligners approximately every two weeks until the desired outcome is achieved.
Invisalign aligners apply pressure to misaligned teeth, gradually repositioning them. Users typically wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for three to eighteen months (on average).
While not all Invisalign patients will require attachments (small handle-like attachments to the teeth that assist the aligners in exerting the proper force on problem areas), an orthodontist may determine that they are necessary in certain cases.
Why Invisalign Works
Invisalign works primarily because your aligners apply consistent, mild pressure and force to your teeth over time, gradually moving them into their proper positions. Rather than straightening your entire mouth at once, each phase of your Invisalign treatment focuses on a few of your teeth at a time.
By switching out your aligners every two weeks, each of your teeth may receive the appropriate amount of pressure for the exact period.
With gentle movement and guidance, your teeth should move into their new positions and leave you with a straighter smile as the result of the process.