How Does Invisalign Work?

You may have been told that you may need braces to correct your bite or to reposition certain teeth to their correct position.

The thought of braces may scare and intimidate you. You hear braces can be expensive, uncomfortable, make it hard to care for your teeth and gums. Above all, they make your smile look childish.

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You’re then told of Invisalign. Your bite imperfection is slight enough that you’re a candidate for this alternative orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign seems like a great option. They do the same work as braces, but they are clear so nobody will know you’re wearing them.

How exactly do they work? They must be effective if they are recommended as an alternative to braces.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic trays that fit snuggly over the teeth. The trays are mailed to your home. Patients wear each tray for one week. Each tray will be slightly different from the previous tray as it will continue the shifting of the teeth to the desired, proper alignment.

The length of your treatment will depend on many factors such as how much your teeth need to be moved and your dedication with treatment. Typical Invisalign treatments last 12-18 months.

Over the course of your Invisalign treatment, your teeth will be gently and gradually shifted into their correct positions. You dentist will recommend one or two check-up appointments during your treatment. Most dentists recommend Invisialign patients come back in 6 weeks for their progress to be assessed.

The Invisalign treatment will begin with the first consultation with your dentist.

At this first consultation, the dentist will discuss the Invisalign process in detail, go over your dental alignment goals and determine whether Invisalign is the best treatment option for your wants and needs.

If it is determined that Invisalign will be a great fit, your dentist will use a 3D digital scanner to get images of your teeth. Some dentists will use impressions instead to capture one’s bite and teeth. These images (or molds) will be the foundation on which the dentist will build your Invisalign treatment plan on. Your dentist will show you where your teeth will move and shift and how long your treatment plan will be. You will also be allowed to get a sneak-peak of your new, transformed smile.

Where you live will play a big role in how much your Invisalign treatment will cost. Big cities with dense populations and high costs of living will see significantly higher Invisalign costs than a rural town with a low cost of living.

At the completion of their Invisalign treatment, patients will have a final assessment by their dentist. Some patients may be advised to continue with a retainer that is worn at night to maintain a straight smile and correct teeth alignment. These retainers can be traditional metal retainers or clear retainers made of the same clear plastic as the Invisalign trays.

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Invisalign is an effective way to move and shift teeth into proper positioning without the negative effects of traditional braces. Each tray is slightly different from the previous tray so that your teeth will be moved gradually and without the soreness.

If you’re curious about Invisalign and how it can help you achieve that straight smile you’ve always wanted, contact Lincoln Dental Associates today.