9 - 2019 - Andrew Turchin, DMD

If you have crooked, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth, you may be considering orthodontic treatment to correct these problems and finally feel confident in your smile. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens anymore, since many adults are choosing care to improve their appearance. While traditional braces are still very popular among orthodontic patients, Invisalign has become a go-to choice for lots of people. These clear aligner trays are ideal for patients who want the benefits of orthodontic treatment without the metal wiring and brackets often involved.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system of clear aligner trays that are worn over the teeth. They can be removed to brush your teeth and floss, but they should ideally be worn for about 22 hours each day. These clear aligner trays are virtually invisible to the naked eye, so most people won’t even be able to tell that you’re wearing Invisalign. Because of how effective Invisalign is and how discreet your treatment can be, many patients have gone with Invisalign over traditional braces since the system was introduced many years ago. There are many other brands of clear aligners, but Invisalign is still one of the most popular brands currently available.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Like traditional braces, the Invisalign trays work by forcing gentle pressure onto the teeth. This pushes them into place to correct crowding and crookedness as well as spacing issues. In order for Invisalign to work effectively, they should be worn for as long as possible both day and night. Most patients will wear their Invisalign trays for anywhere from a year to about two years. During treatment, you’ll have routine orthodontic appointments so that new trays can be made as your teeth begin to shift into place. Prior to beginning treatment, a comprehensive care plan is created just for you and your smile.

Optimizing Results with Invisalign

Invisalign is only effective when the clear aligner trays are actually worn. Ideally, they should be worn for about 22 hours each day and only removed to brush and floss your teeth. It is important that you keep up with your orthodontic appointments, since new trays will be made for you during the course of your treatment and are an integral part of correcting problems concerning dentition. Invisalign is an easy and highly effective way to improve the look of your smile without the use of bulky metal brackets and wires.

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While traditional braces still have a time and place for some patients, many people are flocking to Invisalign as a way to correct problems with dentition. If your teeth are crowded, crooked, unevenly spaced or if you have malocclusion problems, the Invisalign system can effectively help in improving your smile as well as your confidence. When deciding between traditional metal braces and Invisalign, there are some clear differences that need to be taken into consideration before going with the treatment that is right for you.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Unlike traditional braces that use brackets and wires to shift teeth into more uniform alignment, Invisalign uses a series of clear trays, known as aligners. These aligners are worn for about 22 hours every day and work by gently forcing pressure onto the teeth so that they shift easily and smoothly into place. Your treatment is monitored at all times and most patients will need to come into the office every few weeks to have new Invisalign aligner trays made for them as treatment continues to progress.

Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?
Patients who are wearing braces or who will be wearing braces want to know which option is faster and easier for them. Invisalign tends to work more quickly than traditional braces because of the frequent visits to the dental office and the different trays that you’ll wear over the course of treatment. Most patients will wear Invisalign for anywhere from 12 to 18 months. However, certain factors can contribute to how long you’ll be wearing your Invisalign. If you fail to keep your trays in for 22 hours a day or if you continually miss orthodontic appointments, treatment may be delayed and take longer than it should. Keep in mind that all patients have varying needs concerning their smiles, so treatment may be shorter or longer for you.

Improving Your Results with Invisalign
To improve your results with Invisalign and to prevent the need to wear the aligners for longer than is necessary, it is crucial that you wear the Invisalign for about 22 hours a day. You should only remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth. Keep up with your orthodontic appointments so that new trays can be made for you throughout the course of treatment. With dedicated wear and by visiting the dental office regularly, you can be out of your Invisalign and enjoying your new, straight smile in no time.

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