Our patients love the fact that they can benefit from Invisalign at Chardon Dental Group. The clear braces system gradually shifts teeth into the proper alignment, without the need for visible metal brackets and wires.
While Invisalign is steadily growing in popularity, questions still remain for many. To help, your Chardon dental team is here with answers to the top 5 questions about Invisalign, clear braces for adults and older teens!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works using the same principles as traditional orthodontia: gradual movement through consistent pressure. Each clear, customized tray places focused pressure on a different part of the bite throughout the treatment, bringing the misaligned teeth into proper position over time.
The Invisalign system can be used to correct the most common orthodontic issues, including realigning teeth that are gapped, crowded, or to improve overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
What’s the Process for Getting Invisalign?
If Invisalign is a good solution for improving your smile, we will begin by taking a digital impression, or a 3D model, of your bite. This model, along with other details your dentist has gathered on your smile, will be sent to the Invisalign lab, where your series of trays are created according to your specific treatment plan. Once they are ready, you return to our office. We’ll show you how to use Invisalign, answer all your questions, and send you on your way. You should begin treatment immediately.
How Is Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?
Traditional metal braces are affixed to the surface of the teeth and cannot be removed (unless a bracket pops off or a wire becomes loose) until the treatment is complete. Brushing and flossing around fixed braces is tricky, and patients should modify their diets to stay away from crunchy, chewy foods that could dislodge the hardware. The average treatment for traditional braces is 18 months.
Invisalign offers a more comfortable, convenient, and efficient path to straight teeth. Clear braces will not rub blisters in your soft oral tissues, and removability means brushing and flossing is as easy as ever once you get Invisalign. You can also slip Invisalign trays out before meals to continue eating just as you please. And the average treatment time is far less with the clear braces treatment — by as much as 6 months shorter.
How Do I Use Invisalign?
Life with Invisalign is a breeze once you get used to it. Wear the trays the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day, taking them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You can also remove the aligners before special events or big meetings, as needed. Advance to the next trays in the system every two weeks. Clean Invisalign daily and always brush and floss your teeth before putting them in. Let your dentist know if a tray becomes warped or damaged to avoid delays in treatment!
Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Treatment?
Yes. Just like with traditional braces, you will need to wear a retainer following treatment to keep your teeth in the proper position. The Vivera retainer, fortunately, is made of clear plastic and is just as subtle as the Invisalign trays.
Let’s Discuss Invisalign!
If you are interested in improving your smile with clear braces, there’s no time like the present. Invisalign can help you reveal the confident, well functioning smile of your dreams! Contact our Chardon dental team to schedule an appointment today.