How Does Invisalign® Work to Straighten Teeth?

If someone told you that it was possible to straighten teeth and that no one around you would be able to tell that you were wearing orthodontic braces, your first question would probably be how does Invisalign work? Invisalign offers the best of both: the ability to straighten teeth without the telltale signs that you are wearing braces. Let’s find out how.

 

What Are Clear Aligners?

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners, which are custom-made for your mouth, and fitted over the front of your teeth like covers. Invisalign is made out of special, see-through plastic so that the people sound you can’t even tell that you are wearing them.

 

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work To Straighten Teeth?

Invisalign treatment works by applying pressure to your teeth, to move them into the correct positions. Unlike traditional metal braces, which work on a bracket system, and which need to be tightened on a regular basis, Invisalign treatment maps out the individual positions that the teeth need to move into during treatment.

You are given a few different sets of aligners and will need to change to a new set every two weeks. This means that you do not need to see your dentist very often – and not for adjustments like you would if you were having traditional metal braces.

Once you have completed your treatment plan you will need to wear a retainer at night while you sleep, to stop your teeth from drifting back into their previous positions.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign Treatment?

Removable orthodontic treatment

For most patients the knowledge that Invisalign can be removed makes a big difference to the psychology of wearing orthodontic braces. For Invisalign to be effective and to work at shifting your teeth into the correct positions, Invisalign must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day without interruption so it isn’t advisable to remove your aligners very often. It is necessary to take them out when eating and drinking, as failure to do so can cause the special plastic to become stained, discoloured or misshapen.

 

Fewer dental consultations and adjustments

Anyone who wears traditional metal braces needs to consult with their orthodontist regularly, for the necessary adjustments to their appliance, because Invisalign are custom-made for your mouth, and you are given a few sets at the beginning, you hardly need to see your dental practitioner, which means you get control of your life back.

 

Unique engineering means greater comfort

Wearers of traditional metal braces are quick to note how uncomfortable they can be, especially after adjustments have been made. Invisalign aligners have been created with comfort and convenience in mind so that you can get on with your life, instead of experiencing constant interruptions.

 

Straighten Teeth For Better Dental Hygiene

Wearing orthodontic braces is not just about straight, good looking teeth. Yes, straight teeth are aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Crooked teeth are more prone to decay because they are difficult to clean and floss.

 

How Does Invisalign Treatment Work Discreetly?

Clear aligners are made out of a special kind of plastic that is see-through. Because they fit over the outside of your teeth, they can apply the necessary pressure that will move the teeth gently into the correct positions to straighten them.

 

Who Is Invisalign Best Suited To?

Because clear aligners require a certain degree of maturity to wear them consistently for good results, Invisalign is typically recommended for older adolescents and adults who will wear them for the minimum prescribed number of hours a day.

Adults commonly seek out orthodontic treatment as a result of ageing, as their mouths and teeth change over time. Sometimes adults may lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease or other causes, or as they experience problems with dental fillings and crowns.

 

What Can You Expect From The Treatment Process?

Once you or your dentist has identified the need for orthodontic treatment, a 3D render of your jaws will be taken. Your custom aligners will be created using this render, to ensure a perfect fit. Special software will map out the positions that each tooth must move into, as it moves towards its final position.

Still want to know about how does Invisalign work and whether it could straighten your teeth or address your jaw alignment issues?  It’s always best to get a professional opinion but if you have mild to moderate correction needs Invisalign could work for you. Please contact our practice as soon as possible for an appointment: (02) 8203 8760.