All About Invisalign
Having to deal for months with a mouth full of uncomfortable and sometimes painful wires, brackets, and rubber bands in order to improve your smile is a thing of the past. Thanks to advances in dental technology, there is an orthodontic treatment option that is not only faster but less noticeable. That orthodontic treatment option is Invisalign.
Thinking of getting Invisalign? Learn more about this orthodontic treatment option to see if it might be right for you.
What Exactly is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays to shift and move teeth into their proper place. The use of the aligner trays means you won’t have to wear uncomfortable wires, brackets or rubber bands.
Invisalign is extremely popular because it is almost invisible. When the clear aligners are being worn, they are hardly noticeable.
Other reasons why Invisalign is so popular include:
- Relatively pain-free – there is usually only mild pain and discomfort associated with Invisalign
- Fewer office visits required
- Fewer food restrictions
What Types of Problems can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign can correct almost all the same problems as traditional braces. It is commonly used to correct teeth that overlap, slight gaps between teeth, minor over or under bites, and other minor orthodontic problems.
Unfortunately, Invisalign cannot be used to correct every type of orthodontic problem. Some of the problems Invisalign cannot fix include:
- Teeth placement when a person’s teeth are not properly shaped – sometimes Invisalign cannot work properly if your teeth are extremely short or they have extreme points.
- Correcting the position of extremely tilted or over rotated teeth
- Correcting huge gaps between teeth
- Orthodontic problems that require the movement of the back molars or teeth in the midline
- Cases where previous dental work, such as bridges or crowns, has been performed
What is Involved When Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment Using Invisalign?
If you should decide to use Invisalign to correct your smile, you will work closely with your orthodontist or dentist to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
The treatment plan will include the use of several different aligner trays. You will wear the aligner trays for the specific amount of time outlined by your dentist/orthodontist. Once you have worn them for the maximum recommended time, you will switch them out for the next aligner tray in your set.
Unlike traditional braces, you will not need to go to the orthodontist every two to four weeks for checkups and exams. With Invisalign, you will only need to visit the orthodontist/dentist every four to six weeks. These exams are very brief and are usually used to make sure your teeth are properly responding to treatment.
Interested in Getting Invisalign? Schedule a Consultation with Your Dentist or Orthodontist
Before you can start orthodontist treatment you will need to go to a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. This consultation will allow your dentist/orthodontist to assess your individual case and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you aren’t a good candidate, your dentist/orthodontist will be able to provide you with other treatment recommendations.
During the consultation, your dentist/orthodontist will take a series of measurements, x-rays, and digital pictures. This information will allow your dentist/orthodontist to take a closer look at the placement of your teeth and structure of your jaw and determine what needs to be done to help improve your smile.
After the x-rays, photos, and measurements are taken, your dentist/orthodontist will discuss your orthodontic treatment options with you. During the discussion, you will learn about the pros and cons of each treatment option, how long each treatment will last, and what types of responsibilities you will have if you undergo that type of treatment.
In addition to discussing treatment options, your dentist/orthodontist will discuss the cost of each treatment option.
Want to see if Invisalign is right for you? Call Hancock Village Dental today to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
