Long gone are the days when metal braces had to be used to straighten teeth. They were painful to install and adjust, trapped food, and chewing gum had to be avoided at all costs. Today, dental patients have the option of taking advantage of Invisalign to achieve that perfect smile. Although many conditions can be covered up with treatments like veneers, these are not always the optimal solution. So how does it all work?
Determine if You are a Candidate for Treatment
The first thing to do is schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign. This generally involves x-rays, physical impressions, and pictures from which your dentist can make a 3-D image. He can use this image to map out how your teeth must move in order to straighten out properly and how long the entire process will take.
There are a number of conditions that Invisalign can help. These include overbite, under bite, gaps, crooked teeth, and overly-crowded teeth (when your range of teeth is too wide for the size of your jaw.
While the treatment time for adults can take a year or so, the time for teens is about as long as conventional braces. If you are determined to be a good candidate, your dentist can start the process of getting your custom-made aligners made. Aligners are made of a smooth BPA-free plastic designed to ensure your comfort. A specially designed cleaning system is available for your aligners.
The Treatment Process
You will receive a number of sets of aligners; each set consists of an upper and lower. You will wear them throughout the day and only take them off to eat, floss, and brush your teeth. This will result in wearing them about twenty two hours each day. For all practical purposes they are virtually invisible; no more unsightly wires that everyone notices. Although your dentist will design your program specifically for you can expect to wear each set for approximately two weeks.
Each set of aligners is made and designed to shift your teeth just a bit further until you reach your goal. While you are undergoing the process you will be scheduled to visit your dentist every six weeks or so just for a short check to verify that you are still on track. When your treatment plan is over your dentist may recommend that you wear a Vivera retainer to keep your teeth properly positioned.
Some Reasons for Invisalign
• Easier flossing and brushing. When your teeth are too crowded or misaligned it can be difficult to remove all food particles.
• Gums and teeth can be healthier. Periodontal disease and other harmful conditions can result when teeth are not positioned properly.
• Oral health in general. When it is too difficult to clean your teeth completely and properly, bacteria build-up can result in negative side effects such as tooth decay, mouth sores, bad breath, and bleeding gums. Furthermore, oral infections have been shown to cause more serious health issues like diabetes, heart problems, strokes, and jaw problems.
Only you and your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. If you are you can look forward to a comfortable way to a beautiful smile and great oral health.
