What Is Invisalign?

You may have heard about Invisalign, a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening your teeth. If you’ve been wondering just how the Invisalign process works, it's as simple as it is pain-free. A series of clear aligners position your teeth over time. The aligners are shaped from computer-generated images that your dental team takes. 

Comfortable Invisalign Process

The Invisalign system offers a comfortable process to move your teeth into a straighter position over time. New trays are changed each week at home, drawing from your series of custom aligners. Each time you put a new aligner in your mouth, your teeth are a little bit straighter. Every subsequent tray is designed to move your teeth gradually, so they’re straighter as a result, incrementally. Using gentle pressure on your teeth, they will gradually move into position until they match up with an aligner.  

Instead of the fixed metal wires traditional braces used to forcibly pull teeth into a new position, Invisalign uses the clear aligner molds. These molds shift teeth into a new and better position as they gradually move to fit the shape of each aligner.

Those individual aligners are each worn 1-2 weeks as prescribed by your dental team. This makes the process of straightening progress more gentle than with traditional braces. During the total time that you wear Invisalign, your custom plan varies with the number of trays that are required. The number varies because you’re unique - just like your teeth. Your dentist determines what movement is needed, which in turn determines just how many trays are necessary for the best results. 

But, no matter how many aligner trays are worn, it’s important to keep them in your mouth for  20-22 hours which is required daily. If you don’t follow these instructions, your teeth won’t move in the anticipated place. This can then throw off aligner trays and how they fit. Note that aligners can be removed between 2 and 4 hours every day, for eating and dental hygiene. 

During the course of your treatment, you’ll visit your dentist between eight to twelve weeks, to be sure the Invisalign treatment is progressing properly. 

Why Choose Invisalign?

There are many reasons to choose Invisalign aligners, rather than selecting traditional metal braces for teeth straightening. These include:

• Aesthetics - they’re more attractive - made from clear plastic and almost invisible to others
• Easy removal - they can be removed for 2 to 4 hours every day, while eating and cleaning your teeth
• Metal braces can’t be removed and must be worn 24/7 even if they are challenging to clean. 

Oral Health When Wearing Invisalign

While it’s important to wear your aligners for the amount of time your dentist tells you to wear them every day, it’s also important for you to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything besides water.

And it’s important to remove your aligners to brush and floss twice daily, too. Be sure to clean your aligner trays themselves with a toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth, as well. 

Choosing Invisalign

Who can wear Invisalign? Teens, kids, and adults can all wear Invisalign. 

Unobtrusive and easy to use, they’re also extremely comfortable compared to metal braces. Just remember that it’s important you’re able to wear them every day as directed by your dental team.

Ready to Learn More About Invisalign?

If you’re interested in learning more, our dental team has the skill and experience you need. We’re ready to answer your questions or schedule a consultation. Just give us a call, today!