As a child you may have been taught, “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” But while that surely applies most of the time there are always exceptions to every rule, and Invisalign is one of those exceptions! Initially, it may seem hard to believe that you can straighten your teeth invisibly, oftentimes faster and with less discomfort than with braces. But that’s exactly what this alternative to braces can do. If you’d like to know a bit more about how it works and whether you’d be a good candidate for it, this blog will cover those things and more.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign actually works in a very similar way to traditional orthodontics. Gentle pressure is applied to the teeth over time until they’re moved, bit-by-bit, into their corrected positions.
The major difference is that braces use brackets and wires to perform these movements, while Invisalign relies on clear, plastic trays called aligners.
Aligners are custom-made, much like a night guard, but are thinner and more comfortable. Typically, patients wear their aligners for two weeks at a time. Then they wear a new set for another two weeks, and so on and so on – until their teeth reach their final positions.
The trays are removed only for eating, and brushing and flossing. They must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours each day, as the teeth begin to shift again during every minute that they’re out!
The average Invisalign treatment is completed in 12 months, assuming that the patient complied with the recommendations by wearing their trays for 22 hours each day and changing their aligners at the proper times.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Invisalign?
One of the best things about Invisalign is that it can treat a wide variety of issues, including:
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Underbite or Overbite
- Crossbites
It’s important to note that in rare cases there can be issues that require braces to fix. For example, if you have a severe problem with your bite or if certain teeth are rotated, your dentist may recommend traditional orthodontics instead.
Also, some patients may be too young for Invisalign. Oftentimes the full set of adult teeth hasn’t come in until about age 12, so that’s generally the minimum. In addition, teenagers often have a harder time with compliance but this can be determined on a case-by-case basis.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, scheduling a consultation with your dentist is the first step. After determining that you’re a good candidate, they’ll be able to show you a 3D computer-generated image of what your end result will look like.
This way, you’ll know what to expect and will be on your way to straight teeth in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a general and cosmetic dentist that loves being able to offer his patients a solution for straightening their teeth that gives them the same great results they would get from braces, without the hassle and inconvenience. He can be reached for questions through his website or at (978) 373-0901.
