How Invisalign Straightens Your Teeth: Process and Benefits
May 01, 2022
Malocclusion is when the teeth are not appropriately aligned with the jaws. It can cause pain and discomfort and increase your risk of decay. This is because overcrowding (leading to misalignment) can also cause bacteria to build up in your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. There are different ways to treat misaligned teeth, among them being Invisalign®.
Invisalign is a removable orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth without metal braces. They are made up of a series of clear plastic trays worn on the teeth. These trays have been developed for people who want to achieve their best smile with no metal in sight.
Invisalign aligners differ from traditional braces in three ways; design, time of treatment, and ease of use.
The invisible aligners are made of a clear thermoplastic material shaped to your natural teeth’ shape. The plastic material takes up your teeth; shade making them less noticeable.
The traditional braces are made of metal or ceramic and are fixed on the teeth by the dentist. The metal braces are visible because they have wires and brackets that hold the teeth in position.
Invisalign aligners have a shorter time and can show results in about six months of using them. The metal braces are fixed on the teeth and take about two years to reposition the teeth.
Invisalign aligners are designed to correct moderate malocclusion. Furthermore, the metal braces move the roots, which lengthens the treatment time.
The invisible aligners are a type of braces made of metal. They can be placed on the teeth and worn for 20 hours a day. On the other hand, the traditional braces are fixed and can only be removed at the dental office.
Because the Invisible aligners are removable, they allow you to eat what you want. Furthermore, it is easy to maintain your hygiene; you only have to remove the aligners before eating and cleaning them daily.
The metal braces tend to trap food particles on the wires, which can increase your risk of cavities.
Invisalign aligners work similarly to traditional braces. However, the treatment is done using a series of aligners that reposition the teeth gradually. The set of aligners are worn for 22 hours daily, 14 days each, and they apply pressure on the teeth— about 0.3 mm, and the treatment can last between 12 to 18 months.
The Invisalign aligners treatment is done in three phases, and they include:
Our Dentist in San Antonio, TX, will use a 3D digital scanner to take precise images of your teeth and jaw. At times, the dentist can use software to determine the pressure and the time it takes to reposition the teeth. The images are used to create customized trays that you can use during the treatment phase.
You will get a series of trays to wear for 20-22 hours every day. The effectiveness of the treatment is determined by how well you follow the given instructions. Failure to wear the aligners at the given time can slow treatment. It is crucial to visit our San Antonio dentist every six to eight weeks to monitor the treatment.
After the Invisalign treatment is complete, the dentist will give you a retainer that holds the teeth correctly.
Invisalign aligners offer a few benefits that include:
Call us or book an appointment with AB Dental & Oral Surgery for more information about Invisalign® in San Antonio, TX, and how they work.