Invisalign

What are the benefits?

• One of the main benefits of Invisalign is its cosmetic appeal. Unlike traditional braces, which are highly visible, Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic that is nearly invisible when worn. This makes them an attractive option for people who are self-conscious about their appearance or do not want to draw attention to their braces.
• In addition to being nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners are also comfortable to wear. They are made of smooth, flexible plastic that does not irritate the cheeks or gums like metal braces.
• Invisalign aligners are also removable, allowing patients to eat and drink anything they want without having to worry about damaging the braces or getting food stuck.
• Another benefit of Invisalign is that they are more efficient than traditional braces. With Invisalign, treatment times are often shorter than traditional braces because the aligners are custom-made for each patient and use gradual, controlled force to move teeth into their desired position. In addition, Invisalign aligners can be changed every two weeks, which speeds up the treatment process.
• Invisalign is also a great option for people who lead active lifestyles. The clear aligners do not restrict movement or cause discomfort, which makes it easy for patients to continue playing sports, exercising, and doing other physical activities.

Who are the candidates?

Despite the many benefits of Invisalign, not everyone is a good candidate for the treatment. Invisalign is best for people with mild to moderate teeth crowding, spacing, or bite problems. However, traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be necessary for people with more severe dental issues.

In addition, Invisalign is not recommended for people with certain dental conditions, such as missing teeth or advanced gum disease. People with previous orthodontic treatment, such as braces or retainers, may also not be good candidates for Invisalign.

What is the procedure?

• The process begins with a consultation with an orthodontist or a dentist trained in Invisalign. During this consultation, the orthodontist will examine the patient's teeth, take X-rays and impressions, and create a treatment plan.
• Once the treatment plan is finalized, the orthodontist will send the impressions and X-rays to Invisalign, who will use them to create a series of custom-made aligners. The aligners are designed to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired position.
• Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. The aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
• Throughout the treatment, patients will visit the orthodontist or dentist every six to eight weeks to monitor their progress and receive new aligners. The length of treatment depends on the individual case, but it typically takes 12 to 18 months.