How Does Invisalign Work?

Research shows that most people would agree that they’d like to change something about their smile. In many cases, this is due to a misalignment. For many years, the primary option for treating misalignments was traditional metal braces. In the case of severe crowding, sometimes tooth extraction was an option.

However, in the late 1990s,an orthodontic patient introduced Invisalign clear aligners to the market. Aligners are similar to retainers worn following orthodontic treatment. The aligners fit snugly against the teeth, putting even pressure on the entire arch to shift the teeth into the appropriate position. Typically, metal braces only move the affected teeth, which is the primary reason that treatment takes so long.

In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about Invisalign clear aligners. The team at 5th and Olive Dental has the experience and expertise to treat your mild to moderate malocclusion with this treatment option.

The process of treating your malocclusion with Invisalign clear aligners is fairly straightforward. Here’s how it works:

The first step to any dental procedure at 5th and Olive Dental is the initial consultation. At this time, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other necessary digital scans. We will also discuss your expectations for treatment. If it is determined that you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, we will move forward. If not, we will move forward with other procedures.

If your malocclusion is severe, we may recommend that you also use Invisalign attachments to secure the aligners in place. Another option might be to start with traditional braces and then switch to aligners for finalizing your teeth straightening.

We will take impressions of your mouth to send to the lab. These impressions will help ensure that the trays fit properly. We will be able to enter your information into our computer system to show you a digital progression of your expected results. Once you approve the treatment plan, the impressions will be sent to the lab.

Once we receive your aligners in the office, we will schedule your appointment to have them fitted. You will be given the rest of your aligners at this time.

You should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You may remove them to eat and to brush/floss your teeth. However, you should be wearing them the rest of the day, and even overnight while you are sleeping. Depending on your treatment plan, you will switch out your aligners every 1 to 3 weeks. Each set moves your teeth very slightly, and treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months. However, some patients may achieve results in 6 months, while more severe cases may take up to 24.

Once you reach your final set of aligners, we will order your retainer. You should wear your retainer just like your aligners at first. Eventually, you will be able to transition to where you only need to wear it at night. This will keep your teeth in their new position.

The cost of Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces. Treatment starts at around $1,200 for very mild malocclusions and goes up to around $8,000 for more severe cases because the more severe your malocclusion, the more aligners you will need.

Malocclusion is one of the most common dental issues. In fact, most people have some level of misalignment. Unfortunately, misaligned teeth can cause a variety of oral and overall health issues. However, by straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you improve these aspects, as well as your confidence.

Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces, including:

• Shorter treatment time
• Improved aesthetics
• Cost may be lower, depending on the type and severity of malocclusion
• More comfortable
• Easier to practice oral hygiene
• No food restrictions
• Easier fitting procedure

If you are unhappy with your smile due to gaps between your teeth, crowded teeth, underbite, overbite, or another alignment issue, schedule your consultation with the team at 5th and Olive Dental today. We have the experience and expertise to straighten your smile and improve your confidence as well as your oral health.

Since it was introduced, Invisalign has become one of the most popular options for treating mild to moderate malocclusion. However, we understand that our patients still have questions. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve gotten from our patients at 5th and Olive Dental.

Yes, research has proven that Invisalign can effectively treat mild to moderate overbite.

Since the aligners are putting pressure on the teeth to change their position in your jawbone, you may have some slight discomfort. However, the discomfort associated with clear aligners is much less than that of traditional metal braces.

Every time you remove your aligners or put them back in, you should rinse them under cool running water. When you clean them, you should use a soft-bristled brush and liquid soap or non-abrasive toothpaste. You may also use a cleanser specifically formulated for aligners, if you wish.

Each set of aligners moves teeth approximately 0.25 mm, which is why treatment time with Invisalign takes an average of 12 to 18 months. Patients with very mild cases that only need minimal movement may see results within 6 months. On the other hand, patients with more severe cases that need significant movement may need up to 24 months.

Invisalign clear aligners should be removed any time you eat or drink, as some foods and beverages can cause staining and other damage. You can drink water with them in, if you wish.