Is Invisalign an Effective Teeth Straightening Option Over Time?

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that is very effective in straightening teeth. Millions of people worldwide have benefited from Invisalign. Treatment involves wearing a series of aligners that help to shift your teeth into the desired position. Invisalign offers many advantages over other orthodontic treatments like metal braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are a great alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. Treatment does not involve irritating metal brackets or wires, which is convenient especially when it comes to oral hygiene. In some cases, the total treatment time with aligners is often shorter than with conventional braces.

Invisalign and traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces consist of brackets that are affixed to the teeth. The brackets are usually made of stainless steel. Wires are threaded through slots in these brackets and small rubber bands connect the wires to the brackets. The wires put a constant, gentle force to properly align the teeth.

A similar idea is behind Invisalign clear aligners. But instead of using wires and brackets attached to teeth, Invisalign aligners are specifically engineered to fit over the teeth while applying a little bit of force. This forces the teeth to move a little at a time. Then the patient is supposed to move on to the next aligner tray.

Treatment length

The average case takes about 12 to 18 months though people can start seeing results in a matter of weeks. The end result is a healthier, straighter, and more beautiful smile. The length of treatment may vary due to several factors. The exact length of time can be determined by a trained professional. With braces, the treatment lengths vary for every patient, but people usually have to wear braces for one to three years.

Invisalign aligners are most effective when worn for 20 to 22 hours every day. For treatment to be successful, a patient must wear the aligners for most of the day. The appliances should be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing the teeth. With metal braces, patients are more likely to worry about cleaning around the metal brackets and wires.

The ability to remove the aligners to clean the teeth, eat, and clean them makes it easier to keep the teeth clean. Visiting the dentist regularly is vital to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Dentists usually recommend using a retainer after completing orthodontic treatment. This can help to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position.

Talk to your dentist about Invisalign

Invisalign is a good option for many patients because it can correct a variety of alignment issues easily. It is also less noticeable. But it is important for people to wear the aligners as prescribed and to see the dentist on a regular basis. This will increase the chances of attaining the desired results. If you want to improve your smile but do not like the idea of wearing metal braces, talk to your dentist about options. Invisalign clear aligners might be the ideal solution for you.

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