Invisalign is an increasingly popular orthodontic system that straightens teeth quickly and discreetly. The system uses a series of graduated clear plastic aligners that shift the teeth into more optimal positions. Patients change the aligners every one to two weeks and watch as the system reshapes their smiles.
Invisalign makes its aligners from proprietary stain-resistant plastic. Their strength allows the aligners to put gentle, constant pressure on the teeth to encourage them to move.
Advantages of Invisalign
Discretion
One of the top benefits of Invisalign is that you can use it discreetly. This feature is equally helpful for teens and busy adults. Not everyone needs to know you are straightening your teeth.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners mold to the teeth precisely, allowing for smooth, comfortable wear. They do not rub inside the lips and cheeks like traditional braces.
Fewer Appointments
While you will change your aligners every few weeks, you will only need to see the dentist every six weeks. Fewer appointments mean more convenience.
Eat What You Like
With Invisalign, you can eat anything you like within reason. You will remove the aligners to eat, drink, and care for your teeth. If you brush and rinse your aligners after eating, you can easily have chewy, crunchy, or hard foods that are not allowed with braces.
Easy Care
The Invisalign system is easy to keep clean, unlike traditional braces. All you need to do with your aligners is use the branded cleaning system or brush them gently with clear, unscented liquid soap. Flossing around regular braces is a hassle, and patients frequently encounter tooth decay and gum problems that stem from incomplete brushing.
Faster Results
Invisalign treatment typically takes about 12 to 18 months, compared to the 18 months to 3 years it takes to complete treatment with braces. Invisalign is faster because it puts constant light pressure on the teeth.
The Invisalign Process
The first step in the Invisalign process is meeting with your dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for the system. They will answer your questions about Invisalign and tell you how it will work for your smile.
Next, the dentist takes digital impressions of your teeth. The small, handheld scanner moves comfortably around your mouth. The dentist uses the resulting set of 3-D scans to create a series of aligners that you will change over time.
When the aligners arrive, your dentist will teach you how to use and clean them. For the system to work correctly, you must wear Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day, taking them out only to eat and brush your teeth.
Call Bisson Dentistry
For more information about Invisalign and whether you are a good candidate, call our Guelph, ON, office at 519-821-3561. We can set up a consultation appointment and answer your questions.