Invisalign® 101: What You Need to Know

Crooked teeth affect more than your appearance. They also impair your dental health because it is difficult to clean the teeth properly, which gives room for bacteria to fester. The best treatment for crooked and misaligned teeth is braces.

In the past, the metal braces were the orthodontic treatment of choice. But, with the advancement of dental technology, we have clear aligners such as Invisalign® that is invisible and removable. Before you come for your Invisalign is Thornton, here is some information about clear aligners.

What are Invisalign Braces?

Invisalign braces are invisible and are made from a patented thermoplastic material shaped to suit your teeth and gums. Unlike the traditional braces, clear aligners are worn on top of the teeth and gradually move them into position. Clear aligners are invisible and thus ideal for adults to appreciate a less conspicuous orthodontic treatment.

How Do They Differ from Metal Braces?

Invisalign aligners and metal braces follow the same orthodontic treatment principle; they apply pressure to reposition the teeth to the correct position. However, the two braces are different when it comes to the appearance and the course of treatment.

• Appearance

Metal braces contain wires and brackets that are fixed to the teeth to push them to the ideal position.

The Invisalign aligners are curved of clear plastic and are removable.

• Treatment

The Invisalign aligners are worn for 22 hours daily and removed when eating and cleaning. Also, the treatment involves a set of aligners that are worn for two weeks before changing.

Similar to the traditional braces, you need to visit the dentist frequently for monitoring the treatment process.

The treatment duration may differ between the conventional braces and Invisalign because the metal braces are also believed to move the roots. For that reason, Invisalign braces are used for mild to moderate malocclusion while the traditional ones are for severe orthodontic problems.

How is Invisalign Treatment Done?

Just like the conventional braces, the Invisalign treatment is carried out in phases:

• Evaluation and Mapping of the treatment process

When you visit our dental clinic, the orthodontist will first evaluate your dental health and perform any treatment needed, such as professional teeth cleaning. Next, a smile scan is done using the 3D scanner and a digital impression made.

The dentist will then map out the treatment plan using the advanced software. The software determines the pressure needed as well as how long it will take to reposition the teeth. The orthodontist will show your dental and smile preview and what you should expect after the treatment is done.

The digital dental scan is used to make the aligners. A fit test is scheduled to check if the braces fit correctly.

• The treatment phase

The treatment involves a system of aligners that are created to move the teeth gradually. You will wear each aligner for two weeks before changing.

You will need to visit our dentist in Thornton every six to eight weeks for assessment throughout the treatment phase.

• Retention phase

This is the last phase in the treatment course, and it involves maintaining the new position of the teeth. You will get a retainer that is similar to the clear braces. In the initial stages, you will need to wear the retainer all the time. But, after that, you can wear them at night. But, do not fret, you will get a set of instructions on how to wear the device.

What Can You Expect While Wearing the Invisalign Aligners?

The chief benefit of wearing the clear aligners is that they are removable. This means you have the liberty to eat whatever you want as long as you remove the braces.

However, hygiene is paramount when wearing these braces. So,

• Keep the aligners clean by rinsing them every day.
• Also, clean the braces before putting them back on.
• Remove them when eating or drinking, and keep them moist at all times.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Fox Creek Dental by Espire of Thornton for more information on Invisalign aligners and how they can improve your smile.