Are you interested in straightening your teeth, but have been putting it off because you don’t want to be stuck with metal braces that look like train tracks for months on end? Do you desperately wish there was an invisible alternative? If so, then your wish may have come true as there is now a solution to straightening your teeth without having to opt for the traditional metal braces. Invisalign in Plymouth is a fairly recent yet extremely popular dental treatment used to straighten your teeth using clear and discreet aligners which are removable. Invisalign is the go-to option for adults who have delayed getting braces in their youth and are now working in professional fields of work, so are looking for a more subtle way of getting their teeth straightened.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Unlike conventional metal braces, Invisalign treatment involves wearing a number of sets of clear, removable aligners known as trays, over a period of time which provide a more discreet look to your teeth, while slowly aligning them in the same way traditional braces would, but in less time. The Invisalign aligners are created with medical-grade, thermoplastic polymers which are approved by the FDA for long term use in the body.
If you are finding yourself leaning further towards getting Invisalign treatment, then here is what you can expect when you visit your dentist.
Your dentist will first have to evaluate your teeth by taking multiple 3D digital scans and pictures which will help you both come up with a customised treatment plan. The 3D scans will also give your dentist an idea of how your teeth will shift or progress over time which will make creating the sets of aligners a lot easier and more accurate.
Once you and your dentist are satisfied with your treatment plan, the 3D scans can be sent over to a dental laboratory where your custom-fitted aligners will be created; this can take a couple of weeks at most to be made. Your aligners will be laser-trimmed to your gum line to ensure they are more comfortable throughout your treatment. A complete set of aligners will be created for you to fit your teeth as they shift closer together over time.
You will be expected to attend check-ups every six to eight weeks to assess the progression of your teeth; if they evolve as expected, your dentist will provide you with your next set of aligners to wear for the following six to eight weeks and this process will continue until your alignment is completed.
Once your treatment plan is finished, your dentist will provide you with advice on how to maintain your new smile. As teeth tend to move, do not be surprised when your dentist tells you to continue wearing your invisible aligners past your treatment time; this is to ensure your beautifully aligned teeth do not return to their old, uneven condition and that your results are long lasting. The aligners will resemble retainers and have to be worn for a period of 22 hours every day.
What dental issues does Invisalign treat?
Invisalign aligners are able to manage a series of dental issues that you may suffer with. Similarly to metal braces, Invisalign aligners are mainly used to treat misalignment of teeth, making them appear more cohesive. Additionally to this, Invisalign also manages to treat overbites, underbites and crossbites, thereby improving the appearance of your jaw alignment. If you suffer with crowded teeth you may also benefit from Invisalign aligners, however it is important to note that the older you are, the longer the treatment takes to complete, so it is best to get it treated as soon as possible.
Will Invisalign affect parts of my life?
The best thing about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, so unlike traditional braces which are glued onto your teeth, you can remove your aligners before eating and they will not be affected by the foods you eat. With traditional braces there is an endless list of foods you can’t eat due to food getting stuck in them or damaging them, so Invisalign is definitely a better option if you occasionally like to indulge in sweets and popcorn or even like to take the healthy route and eat an apple! Additionally, you don’t need to worry about making changes to your oral hygiene routine and can continue to brush and floss as normal as you can remove your aligners when doing so – just remember to put them back on once you’re done!