Do your crooked teeth make you feel self-conscious? Would the ability to straighten your teeth make you feel more confident? The Invisalign process may be the solution to your concerns about your teeth.
This article will address a number of questions, like "How does Invisalign work?" and "How long does Invisalign take?" If you've ever wondered about Invisalign teeth straightening, this article will provide the answers you're looking for.
Why Opt for Invisalign Teeth Straightening?
Perception is everything, and a survey by Kelton Research indicated people have strong feelings about crooked teeth vs. straight teeth. The survey found that people feel those with straight teeth are 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy than those with crooked teeth.
Invisalign teeth straightening can help you combat this stigma and get the happy smile you want.
You won't be alone in opting for Invisalign clear aligners. Over 4 million Americans wear braces, and more are choosing Invisalign treatment over traditional braces because Invisalign offers less discomfort, fewer orthodontic visits and a more pleasing appearance than metal braces.
Invisalign isn't always the right choice if your back teeth need orthodontic treatment. But you may be a good candidate for Invisalign aligners if you have:
Gapped teeth
Crowded teeth
Bite issues, like an underbite, overbite, or crossbite
How Does Invisalign Work?
If you've ever wondered, "How does Invisalign work?" the answer is simple: Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners made from medical-grade plastic that straighten teeth by applying a controlled force to each tooth to slowly move them into position.
The Invisalign Process
Now that we've touched briefly on how Invisalign works, let's look at the Invisalign process in more depth.
The Consultation
Your orthodontic specialist will have a one-on-one consultation with you to discuss your desired outcome and assess your suitability for Invisalign. They'll devise a treatment plan specifically for your needs and discuss the plan and related costs to ensure you understand the associated issues.
Imaging
The orthodontic team will take 3D images and impressions of your teeth, which will determine the size and shape of your Invisalign braces.
The Fitting
You'll have dots or buttons of composite filling material bonded to your teeth. These patches act as Invisalign attachments and will serve as anchor points to help the Invisalign aligners move your teeth.
Aligners fit snugly against your teeth, and you'll feel some discomfort as they begin moving your teeth into place. You'll be given several sets of Invisalign clear aligners to use as your teeth begin to realign.
Invisalign at Home
Once you've been fitted, you'll need to remove Invisalign aligners whenever you eat or drink anything besides cold water. Heat can affect the shape of your aligners, impacting their ability to straighten your teeth.
Brush your teeth and floss regularly, and be sure to brush your aligners as well, to keep them clean and not affect your oral health.
Your goal is to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, so you'll need to wear your Invisalign aligners while you sleep. The thermoplastic material used to make the aligners is smooth and shouldn't cause any issues.
Every few weeks, you'll replace your Invisalign aligners with a new set to continue to move your teeth into place. You can expect some discomfort with each new aligner set.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The answer to the question, "How long does Invisalign take?" varies with each treatment plan. You can see Invisalign results in as little as six to eight months or as much as one to two years. Your orthodontist will discuss treatment times with you during your consultation.
Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Forever?
You don't have to wear Invisalign forever. But you will receive a retainer, which we recommend you wear regularly to keep your newly straightened teeth in place.
How Well Does Invisalign Work?
As long as you follow your treatment plan, Invisalign invisible braces work well to straighten teeth.
Get Your Invisalign Aligners From Beth's Braces
Now that we've answered the questions, "How does Invisalign work?" and "What does Invisalign do?" you're ready for the next step. Dr. Beth Yamashiro is a leading orthodontist in Henderson, Las Vegas, and the surrounding areas, and has extensive experience with Invisalign aligners. Contact us today for a consultation to start the Invisalign process and see what we can do for your smile.
