If you are considering the Invisalign® system, you probably have many questions about the process, including how it works to straighten the teeth. Invisalign is a discreet and convenient teeth straightening treatment that has been used by millions of people all over the world. Many people do not understand how the system works, however, and if you belong to that category, do not worry. This article covers the Invisalign treatment process.
When patients visit the dental office for a consultation, the dentist will take dental impressions, bite registration, dental X-rays and dental images to get the necessary information needed to produce the personalized aligners. The treatment starts when the aligner trays are ready. The number of aligners required varies, depending on the patient. It can be as few as 10 or well over 30. Sometimes, the time required to wear each tray will also vary. Although the average wearing time is about two weeks each, there are exceptions to this.
Some patients may require attachments, small transparent buttons on some of the teeth. Attachments function as anchors to help the aligner tray move specific teeth at a time while keeping others immobile. Attachments are only needed for certain alignment issues and are not for everyone.
Patients may notice that the aligner tray is tight at first or difficult to wear or remove. This is normal. The reason for the seemingly odd fit is that the first aligner is supposed to move the teeth from point A to point B, so it is shaped for point B. The teeth will shift slowly to fit the aligner, which is how the straightening occurs. By the time that the teeth fit properly in the first aligner set, the patient will be ready to move their teeth from point B to point C. As with the first aligner, this set starts at point C.
As the patient progresses through each set, the teeth will move ever closer to the desired location. One of the advantages of Invisalign over braces is that it can move faster than conventional braces. However, patients can counter or capitalize on the advantage. Wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours daily will ensure that the treatment is fully optimized for results. If at the end of the treatment (after wearing all the aligners), the teeth are not perfectly aligned yet, the dentist will use refinement trays for a finishing touch.
Usually, patients will need to wear a retainer when their teeth are in proper alignment. The retainer helps maintain the result of the teeth straightening procedure and is meant to stop the teeth from trying to move out of alignment. The retainer can also be created from a transparent material to be hard to notice on the teeth.
People have different reasons for opting for Invisalign, usually to achieve the straight teeth that they desire with the procedure. If you would like more information on the process, please book a consultation appointment with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.
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