What Is Invisalign? Well, If you’re past a certain age, you might remember the “tin grin” braces that were prescribed for orthodontic patients to correct their bite. Orthodontic appliances and braces have actually been around since ancient times, but the latest advance in orthodontia is the clear aligner, or Invisalign® system.
How does Invisalign work?
Fitting a patient with Invisalign starts with taking a mold of the patient’s teeth, which is then used to create a digital scan that maps out the current teeth positions and the desired positions. This digital scan is then developed into a 3D representation that models the patient’s entire bite.
Aligners are created to help bring the teeth into position, with a different aligner for each stage. Patients wear each aligner for 20 hours a day, two weeks at a time. Each aligner moves teeth from .25 to .33 millimeters, and anywhere from six to 48 aligners might be used in the entire course of treatment. In cases where a tooth needs to be rotated or pulled down, the patient might be fitted with a tooth-colored attachment that’s bonded onto that tooth until treatment is complete.
The entire treatment plan usually lasts a little more than a year. Patients are usually advised to wear a retainer at night after treatment is finished.
Clear aligners are a great choice for a patient whose teeth are slightly crowded, helping to gently move them into their desired positions. They’re easily removed, making it simpler to brush the teeth, and faster for dentists to set up and apply…and like the brand name implies, they’re practically invisible.
Clear alignment systems are popular for adults who just need mild correction or realignment of their bite. There’s no need to be self-conscious about your smile, whether your embarrassment comes from misaligned teeth or from clunky metal braces. Make an appointment with us at Klooster Family Dentistry and let’s discuss a clear aligner treatment plan that’s right for you.
Comments 1
I’ve always hated braces, and my son might need to have them. I didn’t realize that Invisalign was a good alternative! I’ll have to give it a shot, just so he doesn’t go through the frustration that I did. Thanks for sharing!