Did you know you do not have to draw attention to your mouth when straightening your teeth, thanks to Invisalign? If the thought of highly noticeable metal braces makes you want to avoid straightening your teeth altogether, consider learning more about clear aligners, which are very difficult to see. Clear aligners also offer a variety of other benefits, including improved comfort when compared to standard braces and increased ability to maintain good oral hygiene.
What you should know about Invisalign
What are invisible aligners?
Like traditional braces, invisible aligners are designed to straighten crooked teeth. However, they do so without the use of standard brackets or wires. Invisalign aligners are made from high-quality plastic and are custom-made to fit your teeth. Many patients consider clear aligners to be more comfortable than braces because they are smooth to the touch and do not protrude into the inner cheeks or lips.
How does Invisalign work?
If you are considered a good candidate for invisible aligners, you will receive a pair that is custom-fitted to your teeth and mouth. The aligners will feel strange at first and may affect your speech, but if you consistently wear them as directed, your speech should soon return to normal and the aligners will feel more comfortable in your mouth.
Approximately every two weeks, the aligners you wear are switched out with new aligners to continue the process of straightening your teeth. According to Invisalign.com, it takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months for most adults to complete a course of treatment, but it may take more or less time for you depending on how crooked your teeth are. It is common for each tray to provide up to 0.25 mm of teeth movement. This may seem like a minuscule amount, but results are typically visible within just a few months.
Are you a good candidate?
Invisalign may not be an appropriate treatment for everyone, so it is important to figure out if you are a good candidate. If your teeth are only slightly or moderately crooked, clear aligners will probably work very well for you. On the other hand, if you have major dental problems such as severe overbite or underbite, you may fare better with a different type of treatment.
Here are a few indications that you may be a good candidate for Invisalign treatments:
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overcrowding
- Protruding teeth
- Mild malocclusion (the teeth do not fit together precisely as they should when your mouth is closed)
- Open bite
- Mild crossbite
Of course, the best way to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. They will provide you with a detailed examination to determine your candidacy for the procedure and will answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
There are many benefits Invisalign can provide adults, including improved oral hygiene (since the trays are removable and can be taken out each time you enjoy a meal or clean your teeth), comfort and discreetness. The popular treatment may not work for everyone, so be sure to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about your candidacy.
Are you considering Invisalign in the Honolulu area? Get more information at https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Your cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth to improve your dental health and appearance. This can even enhance your general health. Bonding material allows the dentist to provide you with a better dental shape. Here are the details on how a cosmetic dentist can reshape your teeth with dental bonding.A chipped edge and dental staining…
A cosmetic dentist can help correct tooth imperfections and enhance a smile's appearance. From whiter teeth to overall smile improvement, cosmetic dentistry has something to offer just about everyone. If you are considering cosmetic dentistry, here is some key information to help you decide if it is right for you.Any dental treatment where the key…
A beautiful smile can be a powerful asset. It can affect first impressions, social interactions, and even your self-esteem. A cosmetic dentist improves the look of teeth and provides solutions to turn ordinary smiles into extraordinary ones. The treatment options typically depend on your preferences and needs.Patients looking to transform their smiles can book an…
Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of treatments that enhance the appearance of your smile. While these procedures are typically elective rather than essential, some cosmetic dental treatments also provide restorative benefits, improving the overall function of your teeth. Understanding these common treatments can help you decide which one is right for you.Over time, teeth can…