How Does Invisalign Work?
One of the most popular treatment options for adults with crooked teeth, Invisalign is a brand of removable aligners that comfortably straighten teeth without wires or brackets. Invisalign works by using a series of clear plastic aligners which are made with 3D imaging technology and are incrementally adjusted to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
How Does The Process Work?
Consultation
The first step is meeting with your doctor during a one on one consultation. They will examine your smile, discuss your orthodontic goals, and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you. We will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and give you a sneak peek of your new smile with a digital mockup.
Aligner Pick-Up
When your first set of aligners arrives at our office, you’ll come in to pick them up and try them on. Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your aligners to get the best results. Most patients are instructed to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. You’ll also switch out the aligners for the next set every two weeks.
Check-Ins
We will be checking in every 6 weeks to make sure your progress is on track. During these periodic check-ins, you’ll also receive your next few sets of aligners. So long as you are diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time per day, your smile will keep shifting into the right position.
Maintaining Your Smile
After completing treatment, you’ll get a set of retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. These durable retainers will look similar to your original Invisalign aligners, but are better suited for long-term use as they can handle more pressure without breaking down. You’ll likely need to wear these every night to help keep your teeth straight for years to come.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Overbite
When the upper teeth overlap in front of the lower front teeth, this is called an overbite. Overbites are actually extremely common, but they become an issue when the gap is too large. This can cause premature wear and tear, or you may suffer from jaw pain from misalignment. Invisalign can fix this deep bite and shift your teeth into a healthy position.
Underbite
An underbite is when your lower front teeth are in front of your upper arch of teeth. Usually, this occurs due to the lower jaw being too far forward. Underbites can make it difficult to properly chew and speak, and may cause the teeth to wear down. In some cases, Invisalign can fix underbites, but severe underbites might require additional oral surgery to prepare for orthodontic treatment.
Crossbite
In an ideal bite position, the upper front teeth would sit slightly in front of the lower front teeth. Crossbites occur when some of the upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can cause wear and tear, chips, and can even cause gum recession in some cases. This can lead to painful sensitivity or even bone loss. Invisalign can fix some crossbites, but we recommend coming in for a consultation to see which option is right for you.
Gapped Teeth
While they are very common, gaps between your teeth can make it much harder to keep food from getting stuck in the crevices. These spaces are also more likely to harbor bacteria that cause tender, sore gums and even lead to gum disease if not treated quickly enough. Invisalign can close these gaps and ensure a straighter, more seamless, and healthier smile!
Open Bite
Normally the upper and lower front teeth touch when the mouth is closed. If this is not the case, it’s called an open bite. Open bites can make chewing or biting certain foods extremely difficult. Invisalign can reposition the bite gradually until all teeth are aligned and sitting straight.
Crowded Teeth
If there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit straight, they can bunch up and overlap in uncomfortable ways that make brushing or flossing difficult. This is called crowding. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. If you aren’t able to maintain a good oral health care routine at home, plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria begin to build up. Over time, this leads to tooth decay, cavities, and sometimes even gum disease. Usually, Invisalign can fix most cases of crowded teeth.