Want straighter teeth but not the obvious metal brackets and discomfort that come with traditional braces? Thankfully, there’s a newer option that gives you the straighter smile you want, discreetly and comfortably.
What Is Invisalign?
It is a system of straightening your teeth through a series of clear plastic aligners. They’re virtually invisible and more comfortable than traditional braces, as there are no brackets rubbing against your mouth.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The first step is to determine if this system is right for you. These clear braces work well for many situations, including gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. If your situation requires severe correction, however, Invisalign might not work well for you. Your orthodontist can help you decide.
Once you’ve decided, your orthodontist will take a digital scan of your teeth and send it to a lab. There, computer-crafted aligners are created and sent back to the ortho where you’ll try them on.
You’ll change out your aligner approximately every 2 weeks, with each one shifting your teeth just a little bit more.
Removing the aligner is an easy process – it’s just a clear case that goes over your teeth. You simply pop them out for brushing and flossing, eating, and drinking. You can even take them out for special occasions or family photos, but the more you have them in, the better your results will be.
The amount of time you’re in the clear braces depends on your unique situation. Typically, treatment is complete within 18-24 months. The more severe the correction, the longer the process will take.
If you’ve been looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces, clear braces might be a good option for you. They’re discreet, comfortable, and will create the smile you want in no time.