Invisalign® works well, yet it is a simple treatment to straighten your teeth. A dentist will use clear, removable aligners. Each one will apply tiny forces that will move your teeth to the right spot. More than four million patients have gotten this alternative treatment. Not every case will benefit from Invisalign, but many patients believe it is fuss-free.
Patients who have gapped teeth, crowding or a poor bite might get these aligners. Some examples of poor bites include underbites, overbites, and crossbites. Other conditions can also be treated with Invisalign. A general dentist can decide if a patient is a good candidate for this newer treatment.
After an initial consultation, a dentist will take X-rays, impressions, and digital images of the patient’s teeth. These will be used as a guide to create a very accurate impression of the teeth. These will map out a plan for treatment to create customized aligners. The projections can show the teeth moving toward the final position for each step of the way.
In the next step, the patient’s aligners will be created for them. Each aligner will be made from a malleable, smooth plastic without any BPA in it. Unlike with metal braces, these aligners will not irritate the gums or cheeks. The patient will need to be committed to wearing the aligners for 22 hours each day or longer. The aligners can be removed for an hour or two each day for tooth brushing or eating. Over time, each aligner will move the teeth closer to the final positions.
The patient will wear each aligner for around two weeks before replacing it with the next one in the set. About every six weeks, the patient will visit the Invisalign provider to have their progress checked. That way, the provider can see if the patient is on the right track or not. If necessary, some minor adjustments can be done.
Some patients might need to have attachments. These are small buttons that are the same color as the teeth. The attachments are made out of dental bonding and go on strategic locations near the middle of the tooth. The size or location of the tooth might make it hard for the aligner to move it otherwise. Plus, some teeth might need to be rotated or brought above the gumline, and attachments make this possible. The attachment is an anchor point for movement.
The treatment time can vary quite a bit. But it will usually take around a year for you to complete it if you are an adult. If you are a teen, Invisalign takes about as long as with braces. And that is all you have to do. As long as you wear your aligners properly, you will have a beautiful smile once your treatment is over.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com or call Smiles By Julia at (954) 493-6556 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.
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