Categories: Invisalign

Invisalign Is a Discreet Teeth Straightening Treatment

Invisalign® clear aligners give you a discreet way to improve the alignment of your teeth. It involves using rigid, transparent plastic trays to push your teeth to a better alignment gradually. These aligner trays are virtually impossible to notice in the wearer’s mouth, allowing you to get teeth straightening treatments without having to explain what you have in your mouth every time you smile.

What to expect when straightening teeth with Invisalign

Treatment with Invisalign starts with the dentist evaluating the patient to determine if it is the right solution for them. While clear aligners can be used to fix a wide range of bite issues, they cannot address poor teeth alignment caused by abnormal jaw positioning. Other appliances like metal braces are typically needed to address such issues.

Once the patient has been cleared for Invisalign, the dentist will educate them about how the treatment works. The clear aligners trays used for the treatment are removable, but they need to be worn for at least 22 hours daily to be effective. Children and people who lack discipline might have a difficult time keeping up with their clear aligners.

The process

Invisalign clear aligners are made from a 3D model of the patient’s teeth. The dentist uses digital images to create this model, and the image is projected on a screen. The model is used to make the patient’s customized aligner trays and to run projections of how their teeth will shift throughout their treatment.

Once the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the projections, the data is sent to a dental lab that makes Invisalign aligners. It takes about two weeks for technicians in the lab to make the patient’s customized aligners and get them back to the dentist.

The patient comes in for a second appointment once their aligner trays are ready. The dentist educates them on how to clean, insert, and remove their aligner trays. The patient will be given multiple sets of aligner trays that work as a relay team. Each set is worn for a couple of weeks before being swapped with another set that takes over from there. The patient’s teeth should be in the targeted alignment when they have gone through all of their aligner trays.

Some of the benefits associated with improving teeth alignment with Invisalign include:

Discreet teeth straightening: Clear aligners are virtually impossible to notice in the mouth, allowing the wearer to show off their smile as their teeth move to a better alignment
Increased convenience: Invisalign aligners can be removed for oral hygiene and meals, so patients do not have to restrict their food choices
More precise teeth straightening: Clear aligners are made to a high level of precision, ensuring each tooth moves at the right time. This usually leads to shorter treatment times