Orthodontics is a special part of dental care that allows patients to enjoy a better-quality life through improved dental formulas. It focuses on realigning teeth so that they sit properly on either arc of the mouth. In orthodontics, several dental appliances are used to achieve this purpose, depending on the condition at hand.
What is Invisalign?
It is a brand of orthodontic appliances used for straightening teeth. It features clear teeth aligners that work similar to traditional braces, but are a little different.
Technically, these aligners are made of a plastic-like material that is clear in color. This is the reason they are also known as invisible aligners.
Who Needs Invisalign?
Given that these aligners are clear, they are preferable because of their cosmetic advantage. In most cases, Invisalign® in Friendswood TX is used for adults because of their convenience. However, anyone can get clear aligners, as per the guidelines of an orthodontist. One of the main factors that affect your ability to qualify for invisible braces is the complexity of your misalignment. Complex cases of malpositioned teeth are better handled with traditional braces than with Invisalign.
Facts about Invisalign That You Must Know
Clear aligners are not just coming into the market. Much as they have been there for a while, very few people know enough about Invisalign braces. Here are some facts that can help you better understand the treatment:
- Not everyone qualifies for the treatment – you know how a dental bridge consultation near you is suitable for all people? This is not the case for Invisalign. Complex cases of malpositioned teeth are hard to treat with these clear aligners. For such your orthodontist will recommend metal brackets of traditional braces to reinforce more effective results in the shifting of your teeth.
- They are removable – one of the greatest advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that they are removable. This allows you to perform different life activities without compromising for your treatment. You can enjoy hard foods and even those with dark pigments without feeling guilty Baout damaging your aligners. Besides, going through other procedures like teeth whitening is also easier when you have Invisalign than with traditional braces.
- You must wear them 22 hours every day – even though they are removable, their efficiency in yielding the intended results very much depends on how disciplined you are in wearing them. You have to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day. The essence is to ensure consistency in the application of pressure on teeth. This pressure is what causes shifting.
- It works through controlled pressure – the clear aligners work by forcing teeth to shift gradually to their correct position. This shift is only possible by the application of pressure consistency over a certain period.
- You need to change your aligners after a couple of weeks – replacing your clear aligners is part of your treatment. Unlike braces, invisible aligners work by changing up the tightness of the fit of aligners. Technically, the first set of aligners you get for your treatment will only be useful for a couple of weeks. Once your teeth have shifted a little, they will not be as tight as they were before. At this, you require a new set of aligners. This will continue throughout your treatment. The number of aligners you have will depend on your treatment plan and how long it stretches.
- Soreness is part of the treatment – every time you get a new set of clear aligners, your teeth will feel sore. This is because they are a tighter fit to cause a shift. Luckily, the soreness lasts for the first couple of days, before you adjust to the new set of aligners.
- You need to wear retainers after your treatment – retainers are a must, as part of your success story. Since your teeth were not naturally in the new position, they tend to shift back over time. Wearing aligners helps hold the teeth in position. This will ensure you enjoy a beautiful alignment longer. Ideally, you will have to wear retainers for the rest of your life. Consult your dentist over the options of dental retainers you can choose from to suit your preference.