Life gives you a million reasons to smile. From making the football team to prom, from a perfect first date to buying your perfect home, there’s always a justifiable grin right around the corner, and nothing should stop you from smiling. If misaligned teeth have you feeling self-conscious about expressing your joy, a trip to a dentist might be in order. Orthodontic technology has advanced tremendously within the past few decades and taking the steps necessary to straighten your teeth can now be an inconspicuous journey only you and your dentist know about.
Invisalign® has been at the forefront of the discreet braces revolution and can be a solid solution for many patients seeking straighter teeth. In this article, we will offer a complete picture of Invisalign® aligners to help you see if they are right for you!
What Is Invisalign®?
When people think about braces, they think about a traditional system of brackets, wires, and sometimes even elastic bands, but Invisalign® is different. Invisalign® is a system of clear aligners that straighten your teeth gradually over time.
The Invisalign® Advantage
There are many reasons to choose clear aligners over traditional braces. People who choose this method typically choose them for:
Discretion: Being clear, these aligners are not perceptible to most in your everyday life.
Freedom: Invisalign® aligners are removable, removing all food restrictions that come with traditional braces. They can also be removed for sporting activities requiring a mouthguard or special occasions for additional comfort.
Hygiene: Because you can put them on and take them off as you see fit, you can easily brush and floss, optimally caring for your teeth throughout the treatment.
Speed: According to multiple studies (Gu, J et al, Buschang, P et al) , Invisalign® may offer results faster than traditional braces. People who start their Invisalign® treatment can start seeing changes in a matter of weeks, and some treatments are completed in as little as 6 months.
Comfort: A study published in The Angle Orthodontist observed that patients choosing clear aligners experience less discomfort and consume less analgesics than patients with traditional braces. They are thin but sturdy and fit snugly on your teeth, causing very little interference with the natural movement of your mouth.
The Process
Your Invisalign® journey is as easy as 1-2-3.
It all starts with a visit to an Invisalign®-trained dentist like those at Westwood & Starwood Dental in Guelph. After an evaluation of your teeth and figuring out whether Invisalign® is right for you, your dentist or orthodontist will use the iTero Element® scanner to take precise 3D scans of your teeth and map out your treatment. Those scans will be used to create your first aligners!
Once your aligners are received, you just start wearing them! Your dentist will make sure the fit is correct and you will have regular check-ups to monitor when you can move to your next set of aligners. Your new routine will include making sure that you wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day, every day, until your treatment is completed.
When your teeth are in their optimal position, you will be fitted with a retainer, which you will wear at night to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position, keeping your smile beautiful!
Who Can Get Invisalign®?
Invisalign® aligners are not contraindicated for any person. Children, teenagers, and adults can all benefit from the advantages presented by Invisalign®. While not every mouth is built the same, the following conditions can often be treated by those clear aligners:
Crowded teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Gap teeth
Open bite
Consult an Invisalign®-trained Dentist
If you want to smile your way through life with abandon, consult an Invisalign®-trained dentist like those at Westwood & Starwood Dental in Guelph. With compassion and attention, we can evaluate your condition, advise you on whether Invisalign® is right for you, and get you started on your way to a grin worth baring. Call our dental office today to book an appointment.