How Does Invisalign Work?

When you feel great about your smile, you will project optimism and confidence. In the past, patients could only rely on traditional braces to achieve a well-aligned smile. Invisalign® changed the face of orthodontic treatment by providing a comfortable, discreet way to create a gorgeous smile.

Many patients want to know how Invisalign works and how they can use this advanced system to improve their smiles. This blog answers patients' questions and offers tips for treatment success.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign is a series of clear, medical-grade plastic trays that guide your teeth into ideal positions. As you progress through the series of aligners over approximately 12 to 18 months, your teeth will move as directed by your dentist. After completing the series, you will enjoy your new smile.

The Invisalign Process

Designing Your Smile

The first step in receiving Invisalign is a series of digital impressions. Using the iTero intraoral scanner, your dentist will create a 3-D model of your mouth. You will be able to see what your teeth look like now and what they will look like after completing treatment.

Creating Your Aligners

Your dentist carefully designs your aligners, considering each tooth's movement. When they complete the design, they send it to the Invisalign lab.

Wearing Your Aligners

When the aligners return from the lab, you can begin treatment. Your dentist will check the aligners for accuracy, fit, and comfort and instruct you on how to wear and care for them.

Every one to two weeks, you will move to the next aligner in the series. You will see your dentist approximately every four to six weeks to check your progress.

Using a Retainer

After treatment, retainer wear is a must. Your retainer will allow your teeth to settle into their permanent positions and prevent you from losing your investment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Discreet

Busy adults and teens often prefer Invisalign over braces because it does not draw undue attention.

Comfortable

The aligners are smooth to the touch with no metal parts to irritate tender oral tissues.

Quicker than Braces

Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months on average, while braces can take up to three years.

Create a Harmonious Smile

Invisalign treatment works on the following orthodontic conditions:

• Gaps
• Crossed teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Minor to moderate bite issues (overbite, underbite)

No Food Restrictions

Many patients with braces feel disappointed that they cannot eat everything they want. Foods like steak, popcorn, and whole apples are off the menu. Invisalign comes out for mealtimes, meaning you can have anything you like as long as you properly clean your teeth and aligners.

Improve Oral Health

Crooked teeth are not easy to keep clean. When your teeth are straight, you will achieve better oral hygiene and lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers also find that Invisalign leads to better oral health outcomes than traditional braces.

Tips for Invisalign Success

Wear Your Aligners Daily

For the system to work, you must wear your aligners at least 20-22 hours a day. If you forget to put them back in after cleaning them or eating a meal, you will experience slower treatment times.

Keep Teeth and Aligners Clean

Food and plaque trapped under the aligners can cause bad breath and tooth decay. Ensure that you keep your teeth as clean as possible, brushing and flossing them as your dentist recommends. Clean your aligners using Invisalign's branded crystals or clear, unscented liquid soap.

If you have staining foods or beverages, ensure that your teeth and aligners are sparkling clean before replacing them.

Keep All Appointments

Your dentist will need to check your progress every four to six weeks. Try your best to attend every appointment to keep your treatment on track.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Successful Invisalign patients share the following characteristics:

• Minor to moderate orthodontic issues
• No missing teeth
• All permanent teeth erupted
• No untreated tooth decay or gum disease
• Ability to follow directions and wear aligners 20-22 hours daily
• Excellent oral hygiene skills

Which is faster: Invisalign or braces?

Invisalign treatment is typically faster than braces. Most Invisalign cases are complete in less than 18 months, while braces generally take 18 months to three years.

Call College Street Smiles

If you feel uncomfortable with your smile, call us at 615-446-7878. We would gladly schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists and begin your journey toward a healthier, well-aligned smile.