The days of braces as the only option are long gone. Invisalign is a treatment that involves wearing aligners made of clear plastic to slowly shift teeth into the correct position.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an array of clear, removable aligners which straighten your teeth discreetly and without the use brackets or wires. It can correct a variety of dental issues including teeth gaps, underbite or overbite, crossbite where upper teeth rest inside lower teeth, and even crookedness.

Your dentist from Smilebar will first take x-rays of your mouth and take pictures to determine the best treatment plan. Then, a 3D digital model of your mouth is created to determine how Invisalign will move your teeth. This helps your Invisalign dentist predict the outcome and understand the problems before you get your first pair of trays.

Once the plan is decided, your dentist orders your Invisalign trays. Invisalign trays are made with precise instructions that help your teeth move to the right spots in your mouth. Your orthodontist can order a number of aligners that is specific to your case. This could be 12 or 48.

Invisalign is very effective in treating crowding. In severe cases of crowding it may be necessary to take additional steps, such as reshaping your teeth’s side to create space. This is a quick procedure, usually involving only a small slither of your enamel being shaved away to make room for the tooth to be moved. This is done to address the crowding and help your teeth to align more quickly.

How Does Invisalign Work?

When used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified dental professional, Invisalign can be an effective treatment option. It has been clinically proven that Invisalign can correct a wide range of issues including overcrowding and uneven bites. Unlike traditional braces, which use wires and metal brackets, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

In order to begin the Invisalign process, we will take X rays and digital images of your mouth in order to get a better idea of where you are. We then map out your treatment plan using specialised software.

Once we’ve agreed on a treatment plan, we create a series of custom-made clear BPA-free thermoplastic aligners that will make small adjustments to the positioning of your teeth over time. You’ll typically switch to the next tray every 1-2 weeks.

It’s important to remember that you must wear your aligners consistently for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and drink. If you lose them, break them or don’t use them enough, you may not get the results you desire. You can also cause additional dental problems if you do not brush and floss properly when wearing aligners. These include cavities and gum disease.

How Long Will Invisalign Take?

The length of time Invisalign will take will vary depending on how much work it takes to correct misalignments. The severity of the alignment issue will also play a role. Mild or moderate alignment issues can be resolved in less time with fewer aligners.

During your initial consultation, you orthodontist can provide an estimated Invisalign Treatment Plan. This will help you decide if Invisalign would be the best option for you.

After your treatment begins, your orthodontist will schedule follow-up appointments for you every 6-8 weeks. These appointments are needed to monitor your progress, and to ensure that you are on track to achieve your desired smile. Your orthodontist can also provide new aligners during these visits.

If you have a minor case of crowding, Invisalign can sometimes be completed in just half a year. Severe crowding, however, can require more than a year to treat. In these cases, your orthodontist might recommend that you get headgear or even have some teeth removed to create space for the rest of your teeth.

It’s important to note, too, that teenagers are more likely to wear their aligners incorrectly. This can prolong the treatment time for Invisalign. This is why there are special Invisalign trays made for teens that have compliance indicators built in.

Does Invisalign Work For Me?

The first step to figuring out whether or not Invisalign will work for you is to visit an orthodontist. They’ll perform a comprehensive oral evaluation and take X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan. They’ll then send the information on to Invisalign so they can make your custom trays.

Invisalign offers a great option for most crooked tooth issues, but it can’t fix every problem. There are some cases where traditional braces are necessary, such as for people with a severe overbite or underbite, crossbites, or overlapping teeth.

You should also consider your level of commitment to Invisalign. The trays must be removed when you eat and drink (except for water) and they should remain in your mouth for no more than 22 hours per day. If you often forget to wear or remove the trays because they are uncomfortable, it’s possible that you won’t see the results you want.

Some patients also experience tooth pain, which can impact their eating habits. If you find yourself skipping meals or eating less than normal because of discomfort, it’s important to talk with your orthodontist about this before beginning treatment. This will ensure you’re committed and get the best result.