What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

[caption id="attachment_1829" align="aligncenter" width="422"] Photo credit: LyndaSanchez / Foter / CC BY-SA[/caption] Our teeth are a very important part of our appearance. Our smile is a prominent part of our face. For this reason, there are many individuals who are considering having treatments done to straighten their teeth. Some individuals are considering traditional braces. Others prefer to avoid traditional braces because they do not like the way the metal and plastic across the front of their teeth look. This is especially the case for individuals who are looking to correct their teeth later on in life. Most professionals realize that having traditional braces across their teeth detracts from their ability to be taken seriously in a professional environment. For this reason, many individuals have chosen to use Invisalign. Whether an individual is looking at using this procedure in the future, or whether an individual is already using these products, it is important for them to understand what the product is, how it works, and what steps they need to take in order to keep the product working properly and have the best end results.

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is a dental correction product that uses aligners designed from a thermoplastic material. This material has been uniquely created for the treatments. They are designed to have an appearance that is similar to teeth whitening trays. The aligners are custom designed for every single customer. Their function is to adjust a patient’s teeth in a sequence that is predetermined by the doctor. The aligners are able to straighten a patient’s teeth by making small adjustments to positions of the patient’s teeth. Periodically the patient will receive a new aligner. These aligners are designed based on a process that is already been pre-mapped out by the doctor to meet a client’s specific dental situation. When the aligners are applied to the teeth, they force the teeth to make gradual shifts from their current position. Aligners are replaced on an average of every 14 days. This process will continue until the teeth have been straightened to the proper position. The thermoplastic design used for the aligners is patented. It is able to move the teeth by applying controlled force on them. Interestingly, the aligners not only control the force that is applied to the teeth, but it also controls when the force is applied. This means that throughout the process, only certain teeth move at a particular time. The movements are in harmony with the plan that is laid out by the doctor.

Defining Benefits

One of this dental system's benefits is that the aligners are all but invisible. In most cases, no one outside of your orthodontist will even know that you are using them. This is nice because this allows your dental treatment to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Another unique thing about this system's design is that the aligners can be removed. It is recommended that the aligners be kept in from between 20 to 22 hours every single day. However, unlike braces, you have the flexibility to decide if you wish to keep the aligners in or if you wish to remove them while you are doing things like eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, flossing your teeth, and doing other things to maintain oral hygiene. Another positive benefit is that unlike braces, there are no metal brackets, no wires, or other apparatuses that could irritate your mouth or serve as hiding places for food. One of the major complaints that people have with traditional braces is that even though they strive to maintain good oral hygiene, they still have problems with bad breath because food gets stuck in between the wires and brackets. Additionally, because of this system's unique design, there is no need for metal adjustments. Therefore, it is likely that the amount of time you will spend in an orthodontist's chair will be greatly reduced. Additionally, since the treatment plan is mapped out by your doctor ahead of time, you will be able to see how your teeth will look once they are straightened even before you begin the procedure. There is no need to imagine how it will look since you will see it for yourself.

Understanding the Treatment Process

The very first question that people usually ask is how long will the treatment process will take. The answer to that question is going to vary depending on each individual case. On average it is going to take about 12 months for adults to correct their dental problems. Teens may need a little longer. But all of this information will be thoroughly explained by your orthodontist. The first step in having teeth straightening treatments is to take a smile assessment to see if this invisible teeth straightening system's unique design will work for you and your dental challenges. After the initial evaluation, your doctor will begin the treatment program. It is recommended that you use your aligners for between 20 to 22 hours a day. You are only going to want to remove them when you eat, brush your teeth, and floss. Your doctor will work with you to schedule routine appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The goal is to make sure that your treatment is going as planned. In some cases, your orthodontist may suggest using attachments in connection with your teeth straightening treatment. These attachments are little ridges that help the aligners grip your teeth. They are made from an enamel colored composite and are removed once the treatment is complete. [caption id="attachment_1831" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo credit: haleyhughes / Photo / CC BY-NC[/caption]

The Benefits of This Unique Treatment Method

There are many benefits that come from this unique dental treatment. Some of the benefits are the following: • Aligners Are Virtually Invisible • Aligners Allow You to Maintain Oral Health • Aligners Allow You to Eat without Getting Food Stuck in Your Teeth • Aligners Adjust Your Teeth without the Pain Associated with Metal Braces • The Treatment is Short, Averaging about 12 Months • Aligners Have No Long-Term Effect on Your Speech • There Are No Restrictions on the Food You Can Eat • Aligners Will Not Fall off While You Are Sleeping, Talking, Laughing, and Engaging in Everyday Life

King Orthodontics

The type of braces needed for each patient is determined after a thorough examination from an orthodontist in Centerville. For orthodontic treatment Fairborn residents trust, visit King Orthodontics where there are two orthodontists, including: • Dr. Jack E. King • Dr. Samuel B. King Call today to schedule an examination for orthodontic treatment that leads to improved dental health and higher self-esteem. King Orthodontics, 400 East Dayton, Yellow Springs Rd. Fairborn, OH 45324 Phone: (937) 878-1561 Fax: (937) 433-9530 King Orthodontics – 6460 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, Dayton, OH45459 Phone: 937 433 0830

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?