How Does Invisalign Work – A Brief Guide to Clear Aligners
article by Raha Sepehrara
Invisalign is one of the best-known orthodontic brands. The clear aligner system is used worldwide by millions of people and has helped perfect countless smiles in the last two and a half decades.
If you have crooked, overcrowded, gappy, or protruding teeth, you may have already considered Invisalign. But straightening your teeth is a big decision, and understandably, you’d want to know as much about potential treatments before you commit.
So, how does Invisalign work, how long does it take, and what are the benefits of this type of treatment?
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about these subtle and effective aligners.
What Is Invisalign?
Put simply, Invisalign is a removable aligner system that straightens teeth. The aligners have become a popular treatment option since they were launched in the late 1990s and are commonly used to reposition teeth and fix bite issues.
The aligner sits snugly on your teeth like a mouthguard. Because Invisalign is clear, it’s barely noticeable, making it the perfect choice if you feel self-conscious about how your smile will look during treatment.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign helps you build confidence in your smile while improving your oral health and reducing the risk of issues like TMD, a painful jaw disorder associated with misaligned bites.
The benefits of Invisalign are:
- The aligners are transparent, making treatment discreet
- Made from plastic, Invisalign is comfortable and lightweight
- Because Invisalign is removable, you can eat and brush your teeth as normal
- There are no orthodontic adjustments meaning fewer appointments
- Invisalign treatment is very effective and has a high success rate
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners are made from a patented plastic material called SmartTrack. The aligners are made specifically for the wearer and are designed to apply just enough pressure to your teeth to produce gradual movements. The movements are so slight you won’t see or feel it happening.
During your treatment, you’ll replace your aligner every couple of weeks. When you switch, your new aligner is slightly different to the last, taking your treatment a small step forward.
To achieve the best results, you’ll need to wear your aligners for around 22 hours during the day and the night. Because Invisalign is so comfortable, you’ll find no issue sleeping while wearing them.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The exact length of your treatment will vary depending on the position of your teeth at the start and how far they need to move.
Before treatment, we’ll use the latest digital technology to scan your teeth. Using innovative software, we’ll accurately plot your entire treatment. At this stage, we can tell you how long we’d expect your treatment to take. Not only this, but we’ll also show you images of what your smile will look like after your treatment.
Mild Invisalign treatments can take as few as six months; however, most alignments require 12-18 months. More severe cases of overcrowding may take 24 months.
During your treatment, we’ll as you to visit occasionally for a check-up. During your appointment, we’ll see how your treatment is progressing and make sure it’s on track.
Invisalign at Dental Suite
If you’re unhappy with the position of your teeth and want a treatment option that won’t affect your lifestyle, Invisalign is a great choice. It’s simple, convenient, and effective.
To find out more about the treatment and find out whether you’re a good candidate, get in touch today to schedule your consultation.
