Although many people incline to get Invisalign treatment due to its popularity yet they have questions. The most common question they have in their mind is how this clear aligner works. You may think that Invisalign treatment is all about teeth straightening and restoring your gorgeous smile.
But it is more about improving overall oral health reducing the chance of excessive wear and plaque. So, in this blog we will keep detailed insight on the functional method of Invisalign. Start reading it now!
How Invisalign is different from traditional braces
When it comes to teeth straightening options, you need to choose within metal braces and Invisalign braces. This is as effective as traditional metal braces. But, invisible approach is perfect for the ones with active and social lifestyle especially self-conscious teens and adults. People from a distance won’t be able to notice your aligner easily.
Unlike metal braces, one can remove the aligner easily for flossing and brushing. Moreover, it helps in removing the trapped food items at the same time.
On another hand, traditional braces comprises of wires and metal for irritating the cheeks of the patients. Invisalign comprises of smooth plastic that provides comfort for extended wear.
How it performs
First of all, find a clinic by searching with ‘braces near me’. Then arrange a consultation with the orthodontist. At the time of exam, they will assess your dental condition to determine if Invisalign is suitable depending on the individual requirements.
Remember, there are multiple kinds of aligner. Even if you are not eligible for it, other options are also available for you. The outcome will depend on the expertise and skill of the Invisalign not on the brand.
What happens to the suitable candidate?
When you are suitable for clear aligner the orthodontist will take dental impressions and photos of the face. They will conduct mouth scan and X-ray as well. Then the records will be sent to the lab for creation of 3D model. And orthodontist starts designing the personalised treat plan and arranges the set of aligners.
After obtaining the set, you have to start putting them on. Each one needs to wear once a week or two. With each tray the teeth will move to 1/10mm. It is the difference between the slightly different teeth impression in new tray and current alignment that exerts pressure on the teeth forced them to shift. In a week or two, the teeth will perfectly match the tray.
It is the gentle yet necessary pressure that enables the tray to perform effectively.
You may need to use some attachments
You may have to get some attachments on the teeth. These small bumps are made of plastic in similar colour. It provides necessary grip to the aligner so that it won’t slip away or fall off. Hence, it is able to exert necessary pressure on the teeth for straightening them.
The aligner has the ability to shift the teeth around, side, down and up. Also you may need to put on rubber bands with the aligner. Mimicking the look of metal braces, this assists the aligner to put additional pressure on specific teeth to align them. This is the way aligner works as teeth straightening solution.
How long do you need to put on aligner?
The biggest perk of aligner is removal facility for flossing, brushing, drinking and eating. The cleaning is quite easy when it comes to aligner. But make sure you put it on for long 22 hours per day so that it moves to straight and final position.
The average treatment time of aligner in adult is minimum 6 months. It can go up to a year depending on intensity of the case. However, the orthodontist will work closely and understand your condition to come up with the most suitable tailor-made treatment plan.
What will happen after last tray?
After putting on the final tray, you need to get retainers. It appears identical to that of the treatment trays. Now you have to put on the retainer just to adhere the teeth in the newly obtained position. You need to put on the retainer for 6 weeks long. Try to keep it on the teeth all the time.
In case dentist has given the instructions to put it on once or twice a week then follow that strictly. However, your responsibility is to take proper care of the trays. Whenever, you need to have something remove the tray first. Moreover, promote the saliva secretion for natural cleaning of the teeth to improve the oral health.
Which problems aligner can correct?
Clear aligner is effective for fixing numerous problems such as:
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Underbites
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
What is the biggest benefit of Invisalign?
Now, you know the functional ability of the Invisalign. Here, we mention the great benefit of this clear aligner.
The biggest perk is it doesn’t interfere with the lifestyle. One can easily remove the trays in the morning and at night to brush the teeth. Even aligner removal facility is there for relishing your favourite foods. Hence, it enables you to keep the teeth clean and mouth fresh than conventional metal braces as normal flossing and brushing is possible.
Is it suitable for you?
Invisalign needs low maintenance, fast and effective results. Moreover, the cost is fairly competitive in London. Some clinics also provide special Invisalign offers in London. But to perform the treatment you need to check the eligibility. Visit a nearby clinic and perform a dental assessment before you start the treatment.