INTRODUCTION TO INVISALIGN, YOUR PATH TO A STRAIGHT SMILE

Having a straight set of teeth improves your smile and boosts confidence. It is important to know the treatment options available before taking the first steps in obtaining properly aligned teeth. A popular treatment option for straightening teeth is the Invisalign treatment. The Invisalign treatment has gained increased popularity around the world.

While traditional dental braces straighten the teeth by using brackets and wires to apply pressure on the teeth, Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners and see-through plastic trays that fit over the teeth. These aligners can also be worn while eating, flossing, or brushing. This makes the Invisalign treatment more comfortable than traditional braces.

Invisalign aligners are worn for about one to two weeks before replacing them with a new set by a Richmond dentist. These aligners gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Invisalign treatment provides a comfortable and less obvious way to straighten your teeth. Read on to learn more about Invisalign treatment.

Some differences between Invisalign treatment and metal braces include:

1. Removability: Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing.

2. Appearance: The Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners, while metal braces use visible wires and brackets to straighten teeth.

3. Comfort: Invisalign clear aligners are generally more comfortable than metal braces.

4. Treatment time: Metal braces have a longer treatment time and might require more visits to the dentist. Invisalign treatment, on the other hand, has a lower treatment time, and dentist visits are only required when replacing aligners.

5. Cleaning and maintenance: Invisalign requires less maintenance than metal braces and can also be taken off easily for cleaning. Metal braces are harder to clean and can be difficult to maintain.

6. Effectiveness: The effectiveness of Invisalign therapy depends on patient compliance with Invisalign use. Failure to wear aligners frequently can increase the time required to complete the alignment process. In some cases, metal braces are usually the most effective option for teeth straightening as they cannot be removed.

7. Cost

8. Aftercare

Invisalign aligners are ideal for people who take part in contact sports as they can be taken off before sports. Metal braces , on the other hand, cannot be removed and may damage gum tissue during contact sports. Invisalign aligners, however, are unsuitable for people who need to rotate their canines, have back tooth bite problems, and need bridgework. Invisalign treatment remains the best option for people bothered by the appearance of metal braces.

The following steps detail what happens when getting an Invisalign treatment.

1. Initial consultation: The first step involves setting up an appointment with your dentist Richmond. During this initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine your mouth and take photographs and x-rays of your teeth. These procedures will help your dentist determine if Invisalign treatment is the best option for you. You can then discuss with your dentist and ask questions about Invisalign treatment, its cost, and other options.

2. A customized treatment plan is developed: Once your dentist accepts you as a candidate for Invisalign treatment, your dentist will create impressions of your teeth and develop a customized treatment plan. Your dentist might also develop a 3D digital image of your teeth which will show your teeth at different stages throughout treatment.

Although treatment times may vary, adults usually complete this procedure in about nine to fifteen months. On the other hand, teenagers usually use Invisalign aligners for about 24 to 36 months on average. This is roughly the same amount of time it takes to complete treatment with traditional metal braces.

3. Obtaining the first aligner: Your first aligners are usually designed to be a slightly straighter variant of your present smile. To get the best results, it is advisable to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. Your aligners should only be removed when flossing, brushing, or eating. Your aligners will be changed every few weeks, with each new set being a straighter version of the older one. This helps to align your teeth and improve your smile gently.

Depending on your Invisalign treatment plan, you might receive about 10 to 50 aligners.

Invisalign treatment helps you develop a straight and beautiful smile. When undergoing Invisalign treatment, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. If you want to learn more about Invisalign treatment, book an appointment with your Richmond dentist today at Glenside Dental or call us at 804-756-6658.