Many adults decide against orthodontic treatment because they are worried about having a “metal mouth” in their professional lives. Now there's Invisalign®, the clear way to straighten your teeth! If you're interested in learning more about how Invisalign® can change your smile, read on to find some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is the clear alternative to traditional orthodontic braces. Using a series of clear, customized trays, or aligners, the Invisalign® tooth straightening system gently moves your teeth into the proper positions, week after week, until they reach their final positioning as determined by your dentist.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Every case is different, so only your dentist or orthodontist can determine the length of treatment for your individual needs. Generally, most cases take 12-18 months with Invisalign®.
What types of dental problems can Invisalign® treat?
Invisalign® can correct many of the same dental problems that traditional orthodontic braces can. Spacing and crowding are two common problems that Invisalign® can correct. Invisalign® is also used to treat certain malocclusions, or bad bites. Mild to moderate malocclusions, including cross bites, open bites, over bites and under bites, can often be corrected or improved with Invisalign®. More severe cases may require further orthodontic treatment.
How do Invisalign® aligners move the teeth?
Advanced 3-D computer imaging is used to develop a treatment plan for each individual case. The Invisalign® aligners are then custom-fabricated. Each aligner is worn for two weeks before moving to the next one in the series. Controlled force gently moves the teeth, much like metal braces, but only certain teeth are moved with each aligner.
What are the benefits of Invisalign®?
One of the major benefits to Invisalign® is that you may receive orthodontic treatment without anyone knowing. The aligners are virtually invisible. Many patients prefer Invisalign® because the aligners are removable, which means you may eat or drink what you like during treatment and brush and floss as normal. If your dentist or orthodontist recommends Invisalign®, you can also see the final results, thanks to advanced computer technology, before your treatment even starts. Now that's something to smile about.
For more information on Invisalign® as well as
dental implants and other dental treatments, it is important to speak with a skilled
Passaic, New Jersey cosmetic dentist.