You may have seen commercials for clear plastic aligners used to quickly, easily, and discreetly correct crooked teeth and straighten smiles. Invisalign can be a good solution in certain situations to help realign a patient’s bite or make a smile more aesthetically pleasing.
Aesthetics is only one of the reasons why someone might choose to straighten their teeth. Orthodontics addresses more than just the cosmetic look of a smile. Straight teeth and a bite that aligns properly are important facets of your total oral health.
However, not everyone qualifies as a good candidate for Invisalign. But first,
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to gently and gradually adjust teeth into a desired position. They are removable, so you can take them out to brush and floss your teeth. You’ll also need to take them out while eating and drinking.
Invisalign treatment can be a great alternative to traditional metal braces, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to clean around. They are also nearly invisible and can be removed for specific events, making them a popular choice for adults and teens.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
To create your Invisalign aligners, your dentist or orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth, which will be used to create a 3D image of your teeth. This image will be used to create a treatment plan, which will outline the steps needed to achieve your desired results.
Your aligners will be custom-made to fit your mouth and will be worn for about two weeks at a time. As you wear them, your teeth will gradually shift into place. You’ll need to visit your dentist or orthodontist every six to eight weeks to ensure that your treatment is on track.
The entire treatment process usually takes about 12 months, but it can vary depending on the severity of your dental issue.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a good option for people with mild to moderate dental issues. It can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbite
- Gaps between teeth
If you have more severe dental issues, Invisalign may not be the best treatment option for you. In these cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend traditional braces.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign has several benefits over traditional braces, including:
They’re practically invisible: Traditional braces are very noticeable, which can be a source of embarrassment for some people. Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, which means that people will barely notice that you’re wearing them.
They’re removable: Traditional braces are permanently affixed to your teeth, making eating and cleaning your teeth more difficult. Invisalign aligners can be removed, which means that you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth with ease.
They’re comfortable: Traditional braces can cause irritation to your gums and cheeks. Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which is gentle on your gums and cheeks.
They’re affordable: Traditional braces can cost thousands of dollars. Invisalign is usually more affordable, although the exact cost will vary depending on the severity of your dental issue.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a great choice for people who are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal braces. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, so people will not be able to tell that you are wearing them. Invisalign is also a great choice for people with mild to moderate misalignments. The treatment is not recommended for people who have severe misalignments or bite problems.
Work with the top dentists in Manassas VA , by contacting Galleria Dental Arts. We provide quality dental care to patients in the Manassas and Northern VA area, focusing on a comprehensive approach to oral health. Book an appointment today!
