A guide to Invisalign

Image-conscious individuals looking for an aesthetically pleasing smile, but who may be dubious about wearing traditional braces during adulthood, could find their perfect solution with Invisalign.

This innovative option is a revolutionary system that straightens misaligned pearly whites and closes any unwanted gaps between them. In the majority of cases, this method can alleviate the requirement for metal-wire braces that have been used for many years in traditional dentistry.

Using the latest in computerised technology, the Invisalign method utilises three-demensional modelling to generate a number of clear, see-through aligners that are virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye and are often referred to as “invisible”.

People who are looking to resolve issues with their smile can enjoy the comfort of this advanced correctional technique, which will not cause any discomfort for the wearer due to its custom-fitted manner.

This non-invasive method gently pushes pearly whites into their desired location that can give self-conscious individuals a new lease of life thanks to their brand new, dazzling smile.

How does Invisalign work?

Patients should wear their corrective appliances for 22 hours every day to ensure they can achieve the best results in the shortest possible time, only removing the aligners to clean and brush their teeth.

A dental professional will change the aligners every two weeks to guide the pearly whites into their ideal position over a gradual basis. This means patients will be attending regular appointments at their dentist to ensure appropriate progress is being made.

Overall, the corrective process is likely to take between six months to one year – depending on the extent of the issue – but patients should remember this time period is nothing compared to the extensive period they are able to enjoy their dazzling smile.

What happens during this procedure?

Following an initial consultation and examination of the pearly whites, a specialist will create an impression of the teeth using dental putty, as well as taking a number of photographs of the smile from a number of different angles.

From this, a 3D model is created at an Invisalign laboratory using a CT scanner, which is used as a basis to generate a simulation of the straightening process from the current position to the desired location.

Ivisalign aligners will then be created using the model as a basis, making them custom-made for each individual and allowing them to be changed every two weeks as the pearly whites begin to move into place.

The newly-created braces are then sent back to the dental practice, along with the 3D simulation, to allow patients to see the journey their teeth are expected to take during the process of correction.

Individuals will also be provided with instructions on how to use the aligners, including guidance on wearing them for 20 hours every day, which is vital if the procedure is going to work in the shortest time possible.

Additionally, it is important to attend regular appointments with a dental professional during this process, because it will ensure the treatment is going as initially planned.

Is this method better than traditional braces?

Many adults would argue the use of Invisalign aligners is far more suited to their lifestyles than traditional metal-wire fixtures.

One of the primary reasons people prefer the innovative course of action is due to the pain and discomfort that is associated with the use of more traditional methods, as well as the irritation and inflammation inflicted on the gum tissue.

Elastic bands and tightening forces used with metal-wire braces can also cause high levels of discomfort, with the majority of patients finding Invisalign devices extremely comfortable to wear.

Another benefit of the innovative method of correction comes in the form of its convenience, due to the fact they can be removed when eating. Image-conscious people using this technique may find one of the factors preventing them from seeking treatment was the worry they would get food debris stuck in the fixture.

Additionally, the use of Invisalign braces means an oral hygiene routine is easier to maintain, particularly flossing, which can be carried out following the removal of the corrective devices.

People with traditional braces often neglect their dental health due to the difficulty of carrying out simple tasks such as brushing and cleaning. For this reason, many wearers end up with bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay in the future.

The discreet nature of Invisalign aligners means they are virtually invisible to anyone unless they are extremely close. This will result in very few people will notice treatment is being carried out, which could be perfect for adults who carry out public speaking on a regular basis.

Additionally, the invisible nature of this procedure means the majority of people will not experience any disruption to their lifestyle, which has encouraged thousands to select this technique to correct problems with the alignment of their smile.

Some dental professionals offer patients a free consultation to assess the extent of the problem and discuss a potential course of action that will provide the best results, which is another benefit for those considering cosmetic dentistry. This appointment could inform individuals about how long the treatment will take, as well as the estimated costs.

Will Invisalign improve my smile?

This procedure is regularly used to correct the majority of issues with crooked teeth including overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding and gaps between pearly whites. More severe orthodontic cases, such as when extraction is required, Invisalign aligners may not be appropriate.

During a free consultation with a dental professional, patients should ask if they are suitable for this course of action, although many will suggest traditional wire braces, Damon braces or lingual fixtures.

Are there any drawbacks to this procedure?

Although Invisalign aligners may provide the perfect solution for individuals who have previously lived with a damaged self-esteem due to worries regarding their appearance, many people will find this treatment may not be suited to them.

Severe orthodontic problems may require the fixture of traditional metal braces, which are not ideal for those people who take part in public speaking on a regular basis.

Additionally, the high quality materials mean the cost of the procedure is higher than alternative methods of orthodontic treatment, which may result in many individuals who are suited to the procedure being unable to afford it.

A guide to invisible braces While a misaligned smile may not be something individuals with straight teeth ever worry about, those affected by the issue can experience problems with their self-esteem that could hold them back in both their professional and personal lives. It is widely known that people who are concerned about certain aspects of their appearance can shy away from situations where their insecurities are likely to be highlighted – and crooked teeth are no exception to this pattern. For this reason, some members of the public will find their inability to come out of their shell and embrace their imperfections can result in them missing out on a number of opportunities, such as a job promotion or the chance to meet that special someone. However, insecurities regarding personal appearance could be a thing of the past for many individuals who opt to undergo cosmetic dentistry, which could transform their appearance in a reasonably limited timeframe and allow them to take on new challenges with ease. While it was originally thought that such procedures were exclusive only to high-profile celebrities or those in the public eye, the emergence of less expensive options means more people can take advantage of the treatment that could vastly improve their lives. Invisible braces have proven to be one of the most popular options for individuals looking to straighten their teeth, with many well-known faces including Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise and Kate Middleton reportedly opting for this course of action to make their smiles more attractive. What is Invisalign? The Invisalign system uses the most advanced technology to realign crooked pearly whites, or close gaps between teeth, but gets rid of the need for traditional metal wire fixtures that have previously been used in orthodontics. During this process, 3D models are used to generate a series of clear aligners that fit the teeth exactly and move them into a position that gives a natural and straight smile, while being virtually unnoticeable to the naked eye. How does this system work? By wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours every day, patients are usually able to see a difference in a much shorter timeframe than more traditional methods of dentistry. The fact that they can be removed to eat and brush pearly whites also makes them much more efficient than their predecessors, while preventing food and debris from getting stuck between the wires. The braces are usually changed once every two weeks to ensure the teeth are accurately guided into their new position in a period of between six months and one year, although some people may find they need them for up to 18 months. Why are invisible braces better than traditional options? Convenience – is potentially one of the main benefits of opting for invisible braces to create a perfect smile. The aligners can be removed during both eating and cleaning to avoid the issue of getting food trapped between difficult wires and elastic bands, which also makes maintaining oral health with an effective daily routine a much easier task. Individuals who have had traditional braces often find they neglect certain aspects of their brushing or flossing due to the difficulty they can experience trying to reach some areas of the mouth. Unnoticeable – The fact the fixtures are so discreet makes them the perfect option for individuals who are worried about the stigma of wearing braces in adulthood, which is one of the main reasons they have become so popular among individuals of all ages. Comfort – Metal installations are usually quite painful and uncomfortable for many patients, with some experiencing irritation and inflammation of the gums and surrounding soft tissue of the mouth. Furthermore, wearing elastic bands and experiencing the tightening forces used with traditional options is not pleasant for some people. Although there is often an unfamiliar feeling for those who select Invisalign treatment initially, they are likely to find them extremely comfortable after a short period of time. Free examination – One of the best things about selecting invisible braces is the fact that some dental professionals ensure patients are given access to a free consultation to discuss the possible courses of action. This appointment gives them the chance to discuss anything that may be worrying them about the procedure, as well as the likely cost and timeframe. What does the procedure entail? Following the initial consultation – during which a dentist will assess the smile and teeth alignment – the practitioner will create an impression of the pearly whites by utilising a special dental putty and taking a number of photographs of the mouth from different angles. Using this images, a 3D mould is created using a CT scanner and then utilised as a basis to produce a simulation of the teeth movement from their current location to the desired position. When this has been carried out, patients will be able to experience the feeling of having new aligners created just for them as the final installations are fitted to their specific teeth and changed every two weeks to allow the best possible results. Those undergoing this treatment will be provided with strict instructions on how to use their Invisalign braces, with tips regarding the manner in which the procedure is carried out in the optimum conditions. Regular check-ups with a dental professional will occur to ensure individuals are taking care of the fixtures and the treatment is progressing well. Can anyone benefit from this course of action? Invisalign braces are often used for the majority of issues with crooked teeth including overbites, underbites, crowding, crossbites and gaps, but can not resolve more severe issues with pearly whites – particularly those that require extraction. Although this may be bad news for some people who are looking to improve the appearance of their smile, the majority of dental professionals will take steps to ensure all patients receive the best treatment that will leave them happy with the final results. It is recommended that members of the public ensure they have explored all the potential routes they can take to resolve any of the aforementioned oral health issues before giving up. This way they are able to make the most out of the evolving world of dentistry and leave the practice with a whiter, brighter smile paired with a positive attitude.