You’re probably aware of how an uneven smile can affect your appearance. However, did you know that crooked or crowded teeth can also hinder your oral health as well? To avoid a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bruxism (teeth grinding), or TMJ disorder, you should consider orthodontic treatment. What do you know about Invisalign?
FAQs: What Do You Know About Invisalign?
Question: How does this differ from regular braces?
Answer: Traditional orthodontics involves placing a series of metal brackets onto the front of your top and bottom teeth. The brackets are then connected to an arch wire, one for each arch. At regular visits, the doctor adjusts the tension to move the teeth into more optimal positions. With Invisalign, the brackets and wires are replaced with a series of aligners made from clear plastic.
Question: Who qualifies for treatment?
Answer: We recommend treatment for patients over the age of 16 who have minor alignment issues. We will examine your smile and assess the severity of your misalignment to decide if Invisalign is the best choice for correcting your smile.
Question: How do clear aligners work?
Answer: Patients wear them daily between 20 and 23 hours. Approximately every two weeks the patient will upgrade to a new set as the teeth are repositioned. The entire treatment takes about a year, but more severe misalignment may require up to 18 months.
Question: What are the benefits?
Answer: The aligners are comfortable and don’t cause the cheek and gum irritation often reported with braces. The treatment requires fewer office visits. In addition, you can remove the aligners before meals, which means you don’t have to change how you eat. You can also take them out before you brush or floss your teeth, which helps improve your overall oral hygiene. If you have any questions about the Invisalign system then contact our office today.