Many people want straighter teeth but are unsure about wearing metal braces. Invisalign® lets you straighten your teeth without the bulk of brackets and wires.
The clear, removable aligners move your teeth little by little until they are in the right position. The aligners let you continue with your normal daily life without disruption. Understanding how the technology actually moves your teeth can help you decide if it is the right investment for your smile.
What Exactly Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that relies on a sequence of clear plastic trays to straighten your teeth. These aligners are custom molded to fit perfectly over your unique dental structure and are engineered to gradually push teeth into a better alignment.
Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are barely noticeable. Teenagers and adults alike appreciate being able to straighten their teeth discreetly. One of the best parts is that they are completely removable. You can remove them whenever you need to eat, brush, or floss.
How the Process Moves Your Teeth
The treatment works through a very specific, digitally planned sequence. Each new set of trays moves your teeth just a fraction of an inch closer to where they need to be.
The Initial Plan and Digital Scans
Everything starts with an evaluation. Your dentist will look at your bite to see if you are a good candidate for the system. Instead of using messy putty for impressions, high tech digital scans are typically used to build a 3D model of your mouth.
This model maps out every single movement your teeth will make from day one until the end of the process.
Creating Your Custom Aligners
After the plan is set, a full series of custom trays is manufactured just for you. Each one is shaped to apply a small, consistent amount of pressure to specific teeth.
You will usually receive several sets at once and swap them out for a new pair every week or two based on your dentist’s instructions.
Wearing the Trays Daily
To get real results, you have to commit to wearing the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours every day. They really should only come out when you are eating, drinking anything other than water, or cleaning your teeth.
Because the medical grade plastic is smooth, most people find them much more comfortable than the sharp wires and brackets associated with metal braces.
Checking Your Progress
You will still have regular checkups to ensure everything is moving on schedule. These visits are usually quick and give the dentist a chance to hand over your next batches of trays while making sure the treatment is staying on track.
What Kind of Issues Can It Fix?
Invisalign® can handle a surprising variety of dental alignment problems:
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Large gaps and spacing issues
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
While it works for the vast majority of people, very complex structural cases might still require traditional orthodontics. Your dentist will be able to tell you if your specific case is a good fit.
The Biggest Perks
The most obvious benefit is that it is discreet. Most people will never even know you are wearing them. Besides the aesthetics, the comfort is a huge plus.
Being able to eat whatever you want since the trays are removable is a huge advantage for most patients. Brushing and flossing also stay simple because you do not have to navigate around metal hardware.
Starting the Journey
If you want a better smile without the look of metal, this is likely your best bet. It is a comfortable and highly effective way to get the results you want on your own terms.
Our team at Rath Family Dental offers personalized plans to help you achieve a more confident smile. If you are ready to see what is possible, call (713) 551-9400 today to set up a visit and take that first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.