What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?
You may have concerns about the appearance of your smile and wonder if a straighter smile is within reach. But what is stopping you? Typically what stops patients is the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. Fortunately, Invisalign Clear Aligners are an option for many patients.
Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that is available without the use of metal wires and brackets. You’ll be able to straighten your teeth discreetly and treat a number of dental health issues, including:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Widely spaced teeth
- Clicking jaws
Step 1: Your Dental Assessment
Your first visit will be used to conduct a dental assessment where your orthodontist will determine if clear aligns are a good option for your dental concerns. If you are, a treatment plan will then be created for you to gradually shift your teeth into their correct positions.
Before beginning treatment, we’ll take X-rays and use iTero scanning technology to create models of your teeth. Throughout the duration of your treatment, your orthodontist will also monitor the movement of your teeth.
Step 2: The Invisalign Treatment Process
During your treatment, you will need a series of different aligners that will each be used to move your teeth into the correct position. These will be switched out every other week or so as treatment progresses. With each new aligner, your teeth will be slightly straighter than with your previous tray (your teeth should shift up to 0.25 millimetres per tray).
These clear plastic aligners will sit snugly over the top of your teeth. They will gently and gradually move your teeth into place, following your customized treatment plan.
Once your clear aligners are in, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours every day. You should remove them only to brush, floss, and eat. Once you remove your final trays, you’ll complete the process by wearing a retainer full-time for a designated period of time, then gradually cutting back your use on a schedule determined by your orthodontist.
Step 3: Enjoying Your Straighter Smile
Invisalign can leave you with a more confident smile and straighter teeth (as long as your orthodontist's instructions are followed through each step of the process!). By straightening your teeth using clear aligners you can help protect the health of your teeth and make brushing and flossing easier.
The orthodontists at Fraser Valley Dental Specialists provide Invisalign to many of their patients. We can help you learn whether you would be a good candidate for treatment.