Is Invisalign Right for You?

Everything You Need to Know About this Popular Orthodontic Procedure

Is your smile as straight as you’d like it to be? Are you looking to fix an orthodontic issue like an under/overbite or TMJ? An ideal option for treatment is braces, but what if the bulky look of metal brackets and wires is something you’d like to avoid?

*DID YOU KNOW that only 35% of adults have front teeth that are aligned properly?*

If these worries sound familiar, you’re not alone! Many patients, adults in particular, are turned off by the idea of wearing traditional braces. Fortunately, viable options like clear aligners or ‘Invisalign’ offer less noticeability compared to wires and metal brackets.

By the end of this blog, you’ll learn all you need to know about this popular procedure. Hopefully, the additional knowledge will help you decide if Invisalign is the right choice for your smile.

What is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

*FUN FACT: Invisalign was introduced for the first time in 1997 and has continued to have significant breakthroughs in orthodontics ever since!*

Made from a flexible thermoplastic material, Invisalign resembles that of teeth-whitening trays. These custom-made aligners are designed from molds of your teeth. While they may not be entirely invisible, clear aligners fully cover your teeth for a snug and comfortable fit.

Like traditional braces, clear aligners gradually move your teeth by applying pressure. During each phase of treatment, only a few teeth are moved at a time. These movements are determined as your teeth are mapped out for a personal treatment plan.

Because of the way clear aligners work, you won’t need to visit the dentist as often as with traditional braces. Every few weeks, patients use new aligners to continue moving their teeth into place– much like the required monthly adjustments for metal braces. For more complex movements, the same aligner may need to be worn longer than others, just as easier movements may not require as long of a wear time.

Aligners are worn for at least 20-22 hours daily, which means you’ll need to wear them while you sleep. They should be taken out while eating food or drinking liquids other than water as food particles and bacteria can become stuck and cause cavities or other serious problems. The only other time your Invisalign should be removed is for cleaning purposes. Remember, the longer you keep them out, the less effective your treatment will be!

The Pros and Cons of Using Clear Aligners

Attachments and What They Do

*Remember to clean your attachments well! Food can easily build up around the buttons during meals and increase the chances of developing cavities.*

In some cases, aligners themselves aren’t enough to fix your smile. For more complex orthodontic treatments, small buttons known as ‘attachments’ may be required to help your Invisalign finish the job. These tiny, tooth-colored dots are made of composite filling material and are bonded to the surface of your tooth. When you put on your aligners, the attachments click into their designated cut-outs to create a more secure fit.

While the shapes of attachments vary in all shapes, the type of attachment for your treatment depends on the desired movement of the tooth. Once an attachment is no longer needed, the small bumps will be buffed off of your tooth.

Of course, some patients with more straightforward treatments may never need attachments. The best part of this orthodontic option is that the ability will always there; making Invisalign a treatment that can be used by a wider range of individuals.

Alexandria Smiles Will Help Fix Your Smile

We offer free consultations where we’ll come up with a time estimate for treatment that ranges from 6 – 18 months. Our variety of different payment options makes Invisalign an affordable choice for your orthodontic needs.

Are you interested in pursuing this subtler alternative to braces? Talk to us at your next appointment!