How does Invisalign work?
Have you ever watched your favourite celebrities in movies or on TV and wished you could have straighter teeth, but dreaded the thought of seeing metal brackets every time you looked in the mirror? You’re not alone. Fortunately, Invisalign Clear Aligners are an option for many patients.
When worn, Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible, custom-made for your teeth, and free of metal or wires that could irritate your mouth. You'll be able to straighten your teeth in a discreet manner and treat a variety of dental problems, including:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Widely spaced teeth
- Clicking jaws
Step 1: An In-Depth Assessment & Treatment Plan
Your dentist will perform an oral exam and assessment during your first appointment to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you are, your dentist will devise a treatment plan to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions.
Before beginning treatment, we’ll take X-rays and use iTero scanning technology to create models of your teeth. Throughout the process, we review your progress and record the movement of your teeth as they change.
Step 2: Start Wearing Your Invisalign Trays
You will receive a series of aligners for your treatment. These will be switched out every other week or so as treatment progresses. With each new aligner, your teeth will be slightly straighter than with your previous tray (your teeth should shift up to 0.25 millimetres per tray).
The aligners are made of clear plastic and worn over your teeth. They will gently and gradually move your teeth into place, following your customized treatment plan.
You'll need to wear your clear aligners for about 22 hours per day once they're in. Brushing, flossing, and eating should be the only times you take them out. After you've removed your final trays, you'll finish the process by wearing a retainer full-time for a set period of time, then gradually reducing your use according to your dentist's instructions.
Step 3: A Straighter Smile
If you follow your dentist's instructions through each step of the process, Invisalign can give you a more confident smile and straighter teeth. Because you'll have straighter teeth that are easier to clean, orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
The dentists at Orthostyle provide Invisalign to many of their patients. We can help you learn whether you would be a good candidate for treatment.