Invisalign
As the name implies, Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible plastic. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable — for important social occasions, for eating, and, most importantly, for tooth-brushing and flossing.
Clear aligner technology has been improving over the years and can correct many malocclusions that once would have been too complicated for this form of treatment. Almost every orthodontic problem can now be successfully treated with Invisalign.
Here are some other advantages of the Invisalign system:
Improved Oral Hygiene — With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don't fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment will likely suit you.
More Dietary Choices — To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
Comfort — The soft, flexible material of which Invisalign aligners are made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.
Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
How Invisalign Treatment Works
Here's how it works: Sophisticated computer software allows us to design a custom treatment plan for moving your teeth from their current positions into the best possible alignment. This movement will be broken down into several stages. Once your custom aligners have been designed and fabricated, you will have an appointment to have them fitted and receive all of your instructions. You typically change to a new set of aligners every week. In each new set of aligners, the teeth are incrementally straighter, and apply the appropriate pressure to move your teeth to the ideal position.
In the past several years, new features and technology have been added to make Invisalign a more appropriate orthodontic treatment method for teenagers. Special “eruption tabs” hold the appropriate amount of space open for molars that have not fully grown in.
Caring for Your Teeth
As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of the Invisalign system is that the trays can be removed for easy cleaning. Ideally, you can brush your teeth after every meal or snack so that food and plaque do not get trapped in the aligners, which could promote tooth decay and gum disease. Since it won’t always be possible to do this, if you can simply rinse out with water before re-inserting your aligners, you should be fine until you get a chance to brush. Your aligners, too, will have to be cleaned regularly; you can do this by brushing them and then rinsing them with lukewarm water.
Also, please keep in mind that while wearing clear aligners is very different from wearing braces, the importance of retaining your post-treatment results is exactly the same. You'll want to be sure to wear your retainers exactly as prescribed after your treatment is completed to protect your investment in a beautiful new smile.
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