Did you know that 9 out of 10 people have crooked or otherwise misaligned teeth? Since crooked teeth are so common, it's no surprise that there are plenty of options to fix them. Metal braces are one of the most traditional treatment options for crooked teeth, but thanks to more recent advancements in dental technology, there are more versatile teeth-straightening options such as Invisalign.
But what is Invisalign exactly, you might ask? What makes it unique compared to other methods to straighten teeth? What does the Invisalign treatment process involve and what are the benefits of Invisalign?
If you're asking yourself all these questions, you've clicked on the article to find your answers. Before we delve into the details of improving dental health with Invisalign, let's first take a closer look at what Invisalign is and how it works.
what is invisalign
If you're wondering how Invisalign works, the answer is simple: it's not much different from how other braces work. Invisalign aligners slowly push and pull crooked teeth into a different position in order to straighten them. However, this does not mean that Invisalign is the same as other types of braces.
In fact, Invisalign has many characteristics that make it unique. One of its most obvious characteristics is that it is invisible. Many people who get braces are embarrassed by the appearance of the braces on their teeth.
This may be especially true for adults who never had the chance to get their teeth straightened when they were younger. More than that, metal braces and other types of traditional braces can leave you with unpleasant side effects such as stained teeth. There is also the risk of tooth decay if you are unable to brush out food that has been lodged behind your braces.
With Invisalign, you'll never have to worry about any of these problems. No one will be able to see your Invisalign braces unless they really have a penchant for staring closely at your teeth. So, if you have a big outing or a job interview to attend, you won't have to be embarrassed about your braces because no one will be able to see them.
But the benefits of Invisalign don't stop there. Invisalign aligners are also removable, unlike other types of braces. This gives Invisalign an unparalleled level of versatility. Whenever you feel like taking off your Invisalign braces, you can.
You just have to resist the temptation to keep them off all the time, otherwise, it will take a very long time for your teeth to straighten. Speaking of teeth-straightening, let's take a closer look at how Invisalign can straighten teeth.
How Invisalign Works
As mentioned before, Invisalign braces work in a very similar manner as metal braces. By slowly pushing on the teeth, over time, the aligners will position your teeth to where they need to be in order to produce a straight and attractive smile. Your Invisalign aligners will be customized to your teeth alone in order to produce the best results.
A common question people tend to have before getting Invisalign is whether or not Invisalign is painful. Since the Invisalign aligners will put some strain on your teeth, you may feel some discomfort, but no pain. With time and as your teeth start to shift, the discomfort should lessen.
Another aspect that makes Invisalign unique among the throng of dental treatment options is that your dentist will give you a set of multiple Invisalign aligners instead of one. The aligners are designed in such a way that you will wear one for a certain number of weeks and then switch to another one, and so on until your teeth are completely straight.
Each tray is personalized and each will bring you a little farther along in your teeth-straightening journey. It is important not to keep your Invisalign braces off for too long, even though you take them off whenever you feel like it. You should try to keep them in your mouth for around 20 hours every day, if not more.
The main time you should take them off is to eat. This is because eating with your Invisalign braces on can damage them and ruin your results. You should, obviously, also take them out to brush your teeth after you eat. If you fail to brush your teeth, bacteria and food can get trapped behind your Invisalign and cause tooth decay and other problems.
What to Expect Before Getting Invisalign
If you've been thinking about getting Invisalign for some time, you might be wondering what you should expect beforehand. The first step, of course, is seeing a dentist. Invisalign is a great option for most people, regardless of how crooked your teeth might be.
The length of time it will take to straighten your teeth will depend on how crooked your teeth are in the first place. If they are only moderately or mildly misaligned, it might not take very long at all for Invisalign to straighten your teeth. On the other hand, if you have more severe teeth crowding and misalignment, the process will take longer.
The next thing you will need to consider is the cost. The average range for Invisalign aligners is around $3,500 to $5,500. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, remember that Invisalign aligners are personalized for your teeth alone and that these aligners can straighten teeth faster than other kinds of braces.
Depending on your dentist, the price may vary and you may be able to find some deals. Before getting your Invisalign braces, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth as well as X-rays. Your dentist will then send these impressions to a lab and, later on, the impressions will come back in the form of various Invisalign aligner trays.
Waiting for the trays is the lengthiest part of the process and may take a few weeks. Once the trays arrive, your dentist will be able to fit them to your teeth in order to ensure that they fit as they should. Your dentist may need to add some attachments to improve the fit of your Invisalign braces, but this should be temporary.
Living with Your Invisalign Braces
If your first Invisalign fitting goes well, you will be able to go home with your new Invisalign braces. As mentioned before, you should aim to keep your Invisalign braces in your mouth for the majority of the day. You should also be sure to take care of the braces to make sure that they do their job right.
If the Invisalign braces get bent or become malformed in any fashion, they will not be able to straighten your teeth properly. That, of course, would be a huge waste of time and money. One of the major things you will need to tackle is not only cleaning your teeth but cleaning your Invisalign as well.
By brushing your Invisalign braces, you will be able to remove any small particles of debris that may have gotten lodged inside of your braces. You should always make sure that your teeth are clean before you put your Invisalign braces back in your mouth as well. More than brushing your teeth alone, you should also floss to avoid any small pieces of food that may have gotten lodged in your teeth.
You can drink with your Invisalign braces in, but you shouldn't chew on anything solid. You also should consume any acidic or sugary drinks while wearing your braces since these drinks can not only damage your braces but your teeth as well. Water is always safe to drink.
After you've been wearing your first Invisalign tray for a few weeks, you will need to return to the dentist. At this point, your dentist will be able to examine the new changes in your teeth as well as any changes in the fit of your aligner tray.
The End of Your Invisalign Journey
You won't need to visit the dentist every time you switch to a new aligner tray. This is one of the most convenient things about having Invisalign braces. Those who have metal braces will need to go in for several more dental checkups than those who have Invisalign.
After some time has passed, your Invisalign braces will render your teeth perfectly straight. Then, you are free to take your Invisalign off. However, in order to keep your teeth in their new positions, it is important to wear a retainer at night.
Teeth tend to shift a lot at night since many people grind or clench their teeth while asleep. Retainers will prevent any damage or misalignments to your teeth. Regular dental checkups are also important for upkeeping your dental health.
Your Guide to Invisalign
By the end of this article, you should no longer be wondering, "What is Invisalign?" Invisalign braces are invisible and very convenient braces that can straighten teeth significantly faster than metal braces. If you want to fix your crooked teeth, why not try Invisalign?
To learn more, explore our website.