Invisalign Clear Aligners: A Teeth Straightening Procedure for Adults

Invisalign® can work successfully for people with misaligned or crooked teeth. The treatment, which consists of plastic aligner trays, is considered an effective alternative to regular metal braces. The aligner trays are provided by an Invisalign dentist and fit well over the teeth, inducing the pressure needed to move the teeth to their proper positions. Invisalign offers adults a way to straighten their teeth without the intrusiveness of braces. Continue reading to learn more about the treatment.

How Invisalign works for teeth straightening

When patients visit the dental office for an initial consultation, the dentist will evaluate the condition of the patient’s teeth and bite. The evaluation will include taking dental x-rays, impressions, and 3D models of the teeth. Producing models of the teeth allows the dentist to create a personalized treatment plan which includes custom-made aligners for the patient’s mouth.

The patient will wear the aligner trays for about two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. Switching out the aligners regularly means patients will not deal with the inconvenience that comes with having standard braces consistently for several months. However, the dentist will schedule dental checkups every six weeks or thereabouts to monitor the patient’s progress.

Each set of aligner trays has a different shape, ensuring that the teeth move a few millimeters with everyday wear towards the final position. When the treatment ends, patients should have straighter and more attractive-looking teeth. Wearing a retainer will also be necessary to maintain the teeth’s position.

The advantages of Invisalign

Although adult patients have many options to choose from when it comes to teeth straightening, Invisalign is often the preferred treatment choice. The main advantage is that the transparent plastic is nearly invisible on the teeth. In contrast to metal braces, Invisalign is removable, making it a convenient option – patients can drink and eat whatever they want and clean their mouth without any special care routine. The aligners can be taken off when brushing and flossing.

One feature that makes Invisalign so desirable is how it allows patients to get a visual overview (a virtual 3D model) of what their teeth will look like after the treatment. The dentist will review the treatment plan, so patients understand what to expect.

Treatment duration

The treatment duration depends on the severity of the issue and the bite’s present condition. In many cases, Invisalign gets the job done in less time compared to braces. Many adults only wear the aligner trays for about six months to a little over a year. The aligner trays need to be worn consistently for 20 to 22 hours per day throughout the treatment. The result depends on the consistency as well.

Final note

At each stage of the Invisalign treatment, the patient will see differences in their smile’s alignment. The complete change may not come until after a year for adults, but the results are usually worth it. If you want to learn more about teeth straightening, please book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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