There are some among us who do not dream of a perfectly-aligned smile – mainly because nature ensured that they'd never have to. For the rest of us, however, a symmetrical million-megawatt grin is something of a fantasy.
Fortunately, for adults and teens looking to straighten their teeth without committing to the time, expense, and physical discomfort involved in getting traditional metal braces, Invisalign is here to help make that fantasy a reality!
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a very popular cosmetic dental treatment in which a series of invisible, mouthpiece-like aligners is used to straighten an individual's teeth. Beyond its effective results, Invisalign's popularity lies in the fact that, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign's clear aligners are custom-made (ensuring comfort), virtually invisible, and easily removable for eating and brushing.
How Does Invisalign Work?
As mentioned above, Invisalign uses custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift a wearer's teeth into a desired, straighter position. The process involved in the Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation between the prospective patient and an Invisalign-trained orthodontist or dentist. During this consultation, the patient's teeth are examined, and x-rays and impressions are taken in order to create a digital 3-D model of their teeth. Based on this digital 3-D model, the dental professional develops a treatment plan that lays out the adjustments necessary in the positions of the teeth and how long the treatment process will take.
At this point, a series of clear plastic aligners are custom-made for the patient. Clear aligners are worn for one to two weeks, at which point the patient switches to the next set. The aligners are worn 20-22 hours daily and are removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the one before and gradually moves the teeth toward their desired final position. Regular checkups are scheduled once every six to eight weeks during this period to determine whether the treatment is progressing as planned or if any adjustments to the treatment plan are necessary.
Once a patient has completed the plan, they are the proud owner of a beautiful, more aligned smile! The process doesn't fully end at this point, as retainers may be necessary to maintain the results.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The full duration of Invisalign treatment can vary based on each patient's needs and goals. Invisalign treatments generally take between twelve and eighteen months to complete, though the process could take as little as six months or as long as two years or more.
Factors affecting how long an individual Invisalign treatment takes include: a patient's age and overall oral health, the severity of the orthodontic issue being treated, and; how well the patient adheres to wearing the aligners as laid out in the treatment plan.
How To Clean Invisalign
Properly maintaining and cleaning Invisalign aligners is vital to ensuring both the best possible results for treatment, as well as the patient's overall oral health in general. In order to maximize the results of the treatment and reduce the risk of developing dental health issues during Invisalign, patients using Invisalign are advised to:
- Rinse the aligners under cool running water every time they are removed
- Gently brush their aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals – toothpaste, however, is to be avoided, as it can scratch the surface of the aligners, both making them more visible and create pockets in which bacteria could grow
- Once a day, soak their aligners in a denture cleaner or Invisalign cleaning crystals in cold water (hot water could warp the aligners) to keep them clean and fresh.
- Store them properly – when Invisalign aligners are not being worn, they should be stored in their case, or another clean, dry container
- Avoid eating or drinking with the aligners in. Food and drink (other than water) can stain and damage Invisalign aligners, which could increase the wearer's risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Each new set of Invisalign aligners may cause some discomfort or mild pain during the first few days of wearing. This discomfort is typically attributable to tightening (each new set of aligners is, after all, slightly tighter than the last) and, among patients with a habit of using their tongue to play with their aligners, mild tongue irritation or soreness.
Any discomfort along these lines is usually temporary and typically doesn't require anything more than over-the-counter pain medication. It is worth noting that any discomfort or pain associated with Invisalign is typically much milder and less persistent than that accompanying traditional metal braces.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign is used to correct a variety of orthodontic issues, including crowded or spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and relapses among patients who have previously had braces.
Can Anyone Get Invisalign?
While Invisalign is an effective treatment option for many patients, it may not be suitable for everyone. A candidate for Invisalign ought to be:
- An adult or older teenager
- Suffering from only mild to moderate orthodontic issues – patients with more severe issues may require alternative options
- With an existing commitment to good oral health, Invisalign aligners can trap bacteria and food particles against the teeth and gums
- A strong commitment to the Invisalign treatment plan. In order to achieve the desired results, Invisalign patients must wear the aligners as directed, attend regular checkups, and maintain good oral hygiene
Please note that only a trained orthodontist or dentist can definitively determine whether someone is a good candidate for Invisalign after having learned that person's oral health, orthodontic issues, and treatment goals during a consultation.
Invisalign Dentists in Woodland Hills, CA
If you're in the Woodland Hills area and want to know whether Invisalign is right for you, contact dentist Dr. Gabe Adorjan and the team at Modern American Dentistry to set up a consultation appointment.