Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces, an orthodontic treatment designed to align your teeth correctly.
Unlike often painful and cumbersome traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners to position your teeth. The aligners are created from computer-generated images and impressions taken by your dentist.
How Invisalign Works
The aligners used in Invisalign are made so that teeth move in small steps into a straighter position. Each time you place a new aligner in your mouth, the tray is shaped for teeth that are marginally straighter than your own. This pressures your teeth so that they move to match and meet the aligner.
Instead of using the fixed metal wires of traditional braces that pull teeth into position, Invisalign uses these clear aligner molds to move teeth incrementally into a new, better position as teeth fit into the shape of the aligner.
Each Invisalign aligner set is worn for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. This length of time allows teeth to straighten gradually over that period.
Invisalign users visit their dentist once every six or more weeks. Your dentist will check to be sure your treatment is going well.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are created from clear plastic which makes them practically invisible to others, unlike metal braces. They can be removed for 2 to 4 hours every day. Metal braces cannot be taken out of your mouth - those are worn 24/7, and can be uncomfortable.
The time necessary to complete the Invisalign process is considerably less than that for traditional braces as well - approximately 6 to 18 months rather than the average 2-year time period for metal braces.
Throughout those months, you’ll wear between 20 and 50 different Invisalign aligners. The number of aligners that are necessary varies - you and your teeth are both unique. Regardless of how many are worn, it’s important to keep them in your mouth for the required number of hours each day. If you don’t, your teeth may not move into the position that’s anticipated, which throws off the use of aligner trays and their precisely calculated fit.
Dental Care While Using Invisalign
Along with wearing your aligners for the amount of time required each day, you must remove your aligners whenever you eat and also when you drink anything besides water. Be sure to also take the aligners out in order to brush and floss twice a day. And be sure to clean your aligner with a toothbrush each time you brush, too.
The orderly Invisalign process is great for both teens and adults. The attractive, unobtrusive look of Invisalign aligners helps teens to feel less self-conscious, and they’re easier to use as well.
Adults who choose corrective dental treatment enjoy the flexibility and comfort, as well as the low profile of Invisalign, as compared to traditional braces.
Gold Coast Smiles is Ready to Help
Interested in learning more about Invisalign? Gold Coast Smiles offers a variety of financing options from short-term in-house payment plans to long-term financing with CareCredit, and we also accept HSA and FSA payments.
Call us at 516-676-0250 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you and providing our skilled dental care.