Invisalign® produces aligners that are more comfortable and less noticeable than the conventional dental braces of the past. Striving to provide patients with improved smiles but without the hassle of metal braces, the company uses clear aligners that are placed directly over the teeth, and they can shift teeth in the necessary directions for the desired effect. The aligners were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the late 1990s and have grown in use due to the level of comfort and improved results they provide patients.
The aligners used for treatment are made of an FDA-approved thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. Using 3-D technology, a dentist can recreate a patient’s mouth and adjust the teeth within the program to find the proper tooth alignment for the specific patient. Since the aligners are custom-fit, wearing them for the required amount of time and properly caring for the aligners is important.
Doctors recommend wearing the aligners for the majority of the day, which might be anywhere from 20 to 22 hours. The constant contact time allows the aligners to gradually shift the teeth just like the wires and brackets on traditional braces. They can be removed when brushing the teeth, drinking or eating. Rechecks are typically performed every one to two weeks, and the aligners may be changed at that time, depending on how well the teeth are shifting. While results may be seen within weeks of starting the process, Invisalign® treatment can last 12 to 18 months overall.
The aligners should be worn as recommended by the provider to work effectively. Without the custom fit of the aligners, the pressure is not applied to the teeth, and they will not shift into place as planned before initiating treatment. By wearing them incorrectly, a patient may delay the implementation of the next set of aligners, and this can increase the overall time necessary for treatment. In some cases, the dentist may need to readjust the treatment plan, leading to more cost and more dental visits for the patient.
To decrease bad breath and bacteria buildup, teeth should be brushed before aligners are placed back inside the mouth, even after meals or snacks. To clean the aligners, the doctor may recommend the Invisalign Cleaning System® that is created for the aligners. However, proper cleaning can also be accomplished with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Be aware that lukewarm water is preferable when cleaning the aligners because hot water will cause the plastic to morph in shape. If this occurs, the aligner will not fit properly inside the mouth, and a new one may have to be created by the dentist.
Invisalign® uses computer technology to produce aligners that can help improve a patient’s smile. By following the recommendations of the doctor and making sure to treat the aligners with care, patients may find themselves with their desired smile in just over a year’s time.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…
Wear and tear make denture repair inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…
There are numerous ways to straighten teeth, and Invisalign® is an increasingly popular method. Unlike traditional braces that use metal or ceramic attachments hooked to a wire to pull the teeth straight over time, this treatment uses clear aligners that can be taken out when eating or brushing. For the desired results, it helps to…
One option for someone who is missing teeth is implant supported dentures. It is important to fill in gaps in the mouth; not doing so has a variety of unwanted consequences. In the short term, a missing tooth often leads to pain, as the nearby teeth will start to shift. In addition, these teeth are…
For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…
Wear and tear make denture repair inevitable in the long run. This is why a general dentistry practice that deals with dentures should have in-house facilities for minor and moderate repairs. The practice should also have quick access to a dental lab in case a patient needs major repairs for their dentures. Knowing when to…