Invisalign has become wildly popular in the world of adult orthodontics over the years. Its main appeal is obvious: invisible braces that fix your teeth without compromising how you look? Who wouldn’t want that?
It’s no wonder that over 5 million adults have used clear aligners at one time or another. But the fact that they are transparent is only one of many benefits that Invisalign brings.
With modern Invisalign technology, we are able to get unprecedented insight into our patients’ dental situations, allowing us to give them extremely accurate and precise treatment.
Read on, and we’ll walk you through all things Invisalign and help determine if it’s the best option for you.
How Invisalign Works
In the first steps to getting Invisalign aligners, your doctor will take a 3D image of your teeth using a special scanner. They will also take mouldings, x-rays, and photos of your face and teeth to get a complete picture of your oral structure.
This information is then sent to Invisalign. Included with these records are instructions for how your doctor plans for your teeth to be corrected. A full treatment course is then created using high-tech computers.
Once everything is ready, Invisalign will use a 3D printer to create the perfect clear aligners for you. These aligners are also known as “trays”.
It takes about 4-5 weeks from taking a moulding to receiving your Invisalign trays.
You will wear multiple trays throughout the duration of your Invisalign use. Usually, you only use an Invisalign tray for 1-2 weeks before moving onto the next one.
When wearing your clear aligners, you will need to have them in for about twenty-two hours a day. Essentially, you need to be wearing them all the time other than mealtimes and when brushing your teeth.
One of the many benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You no longer have to worry about not being able to eat certain foods or particles getting stuck in wires.
If you do not wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time each day, it will slow down the correction process.
This process usually lasts around 18-24 months. You will need to visit with your doctor every few weeks to check in and make sure the correction is going as planned.
When to Get Invisalign
Invisalign works best for people who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Let’s take a look at some common problems that Invisalign can correct.
Crowded Teeth
When your teeth are crowded, they can push each other in uncomfortable directions. This can not only cause pain in your jaw but can make it difficult to floss and brush your teeth properly.
If you can’t clean the spaces between your teeth, plaque and tartar can build up. This can develop into gum disease and tooth decay.
Invisalign can correct this issue and create better alignment and straightening.
Overbite
Freddie Mercury may have been able to rock an overbite, but most people would rather do without one.
An overbite occurs when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth. Many people have at least a little bit of an overbite, and it’s not much of a problem. But people with a deep overbite can suffer from headaches, jaw clenching, and TMJ pain.
So long as your overbite isn’t extremely severe, Invisalign can be a likely treatment.
Underbite
An underbite is basically the opposite of an overbite, where the bottom teeth protrude outward in front of the top teeth.
People with this condition can experience speech difficulties, and it can also lead to your teeth wearing down.
Invisalign can correct this issue and move your lower teeth behind your front teeth.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when some of your upper teeth sit in front of our lower teeth, and some of your lower teeth are in front of your upper ones.
This can be a problem as it can lead to your teeth chipping each other and can also cause gum issues.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth and get them into their proper places.
Gap Teeth
Having gap teeth means that there is extra space between your teeth. When this happens, food can get stuck in those spaces. Also, as time goes on, your teeth loosen and eventually fall out.
Depending on the amount of space between your teeth, Invisalign can possibly help tighten that gap and get your teeth properly spaced.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign also has a line of trays for teenagers known as “Invisalign Teen”. This can be an effective alternative to traditional metal braces.
Although some may see it as a rite of passage, many teenagers dread the thought of having to go around school and other social areas with metal in their mouth. Invisalign Teen is a great solution to this stressor and has shown to be more helpful for self-esteem than traditional braces.
Invisalign’s Limitations
Invisalign treats a variety of oral ailments, but it can’t solve everything. Due to its limited nature, severe and complex cases might require traditional metal braces or other orthodontic appliances.
If the shape of your tooth is too severe, the clear aligner may not be able to get a good enough grip to attach to your teeth. Also, if you have a tooth that is twisted more than 20 degrees or tilted over 45 degrees, Invisalign may not be strong enough to correct it.
For gap teeth, sometimes the gap is too big to close without traditional braces. The aligner can only close up to about 6mm of gap per upper or lower teeth.
Also, if you feel that you are not the person who can regularly keep their aligners inside their mouth at pretty much all times, then Invisalign may not be the best choice for you.
Contact Us
Invisalign is an effective and modern alternative to traditional braces. We at Crescent Heights Dental are highly experienced in Invisalign treatment. If you are ready to get your teeth straighter and need help, call us today at 403-276-3660!