Your Guide to Invisalign: What to Expect and How It Works

Studies show that over 30% of individuals are unhappy with their teeth. The desire for straight teeth is more than just cosmetic. Crooked teeth can impact an individual’s career prospects, social life, and self-esteem. Dental treatment can help fix your smile and boost your self-confidence. Invisalign is a teeth-straightening solution that is a popular alternative to metal braces. Following is your guide to Invisalign: what to expect and how it works.

What Is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening technique that involves the use of invisible plastic aligners. The innovative treatment can help fix crooked teeth and give you the perfect smile.

The aligners can:

Reduce or eliminate gaps between the teeth
Correct misalignments
Correct tooth crowding
Reduce under- or overbites

The removable aligners gradually shift the teeth, a process that can take several months to one year. You can maintain your confidence and enjoy your favorite foods during the treatment. It is an effective option for treating dental issues that affect your smile.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment uses computer imaging technology to create customized aligners. Made from clear medical-grade plastic, they are smooth and comfortable. The technology maps out the current and final positions of the teeth to create a treatment plan.

Dental specialists create a series of aligners for the patient to wear for a week or two. The aligners apply a controlled force, gradually shifting the teeth. The treatment is painless, but most patients experience minor discomfort in the first few days. Each set moves specific teeth until you achieve your desired smile.

What to Expect With Invisalign

Invisalign treatment duration varies, and each treatment plan is customized depending on the individual’s dental condition. Dental practitioners consider how crowded the teeth are, the size of the gaps, and other factors.

You must always wear the aligners, only removing them to eat and clean your teeth. Dentists recommend wearing them for at least 22 hours a day. You must clean the aligners every day. Use a soft brush and warm water to keep them clean. You can obtain an Invisalign cleaning kit.

Benefits of Invisalign

There are several benefits to Invisalign treatment, including:

The aligners are removable
They facilitate better oral health
They are virtually invisible
The aligners are comfortable and do not rub against the cheeks
You can eat what you want throughout the treatment process

With Invisalign aligners, you do not have to worry about metal wires that can cut into soft tissue. The aligners are perfect for individuals who want to maintain their lifestyle without worrying about their appearance.

Results of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is quick and effective, and the teeth shift to the desired position. However, you will need to wear retainers to maintain the results over the long term. Wearing retainers while you sleep can help prevent relapse. To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, contact your dental practitioner.

Invisalign treatment is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate dental issues. During the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and ask about your health and lifestyle. The dental professional will address your concerns and answer any questions about the treatment.

For more on what to expect with Invisalign and how it works, visit Align Dental. Our office is in Boston, Massachusetts. Call (617) 340-5300 to book an appointment today.