How does Invisalign orthodontic treatment work?

Many years ago if you were told that you could have your teeth straightened with virtually no one being able to detect you were wearing braces, you would have certainly welcomed this idea. And now this dream has become a reality with the .

Invisalign is the process by which teeth are gently aligned to their correct position by the use of a series of clear, soft plastic aligners.

Invisalign can be used to correct many dental maladies:

  • Over bite, cross bite, or under bite due to overcrowding.
  • Close gaps and spaces.
  • Correct misaligned teeth.

There are many advantages available with Invisalign that you don’t have with traditional braces:

  • No more metal bands and brackets.
  • No more wires inflicting abrasions in soft mouth tissue.
  • With Invisalign the aligners are removable allowing for much better hygiene care than with metal bands. You are able to not only brush all areas of the tooth surface, you are able to floss which you can’t do easily with traditional braces.
  • You can eat anything since the aligners are removed during meals.

But probably the number one reason for the popularity of Invisalign is the aesthetic advantage enjoyed by Invisalign wearers. Most report that due to their transparency, the aligners are practically undetectable.

Your Invisalign dentist will take x-rays, photos and diagnostic impressions that through the use of 3-D digital technology will allow the dental lab to develop a series of soft plastic aligners. The aligners are replaced every two to four weeks with the next in the series. Your teeth are gently repositioned through the series of aligners dispensed by your dentist.

It is imperative that the aligners are worn a minimum of twenty-two hours per day in order to achieve the desired result in the time frame allowed.

For most adults, this procedure can take between six months to two years. Young adults and teens can expect the same time frame as with traditional metal bands and brackets.

If you would like to learn more about this innovative orthodontic treatment option, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry at 303.730.1222 today.