Are you eager to have your teeth straightened as an adult but don’t want to draw unwanted attention to your smile? Is there a way to do this with modern orthodontic treatments?
In this article, common questions surrounding clear braces W1 or Invisalign are answered, allowing you to learn more about this popular aligner brand before you decide whether it is the right aligner for you. So read on to learn more!
What are Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners are visually similar to a sports guard except that they are made from clear plastic, which can be custom-fitted to your teeth. Thus, they are visually discreet and can be suitable for adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without drawing unwanted attention or for those who need to straighten their teeth without requiring extensive work.
How do they work?
Unlike traditional fitted braces, Invisalign works via being a totally customised set of aligners.
Your dentist will take images of the inside of your mouth before making the aligners and will use the associated computer technology to predict the force required for your teeth to move to the desired position.
Once determined, the aligners will be printed; typically, there are 14 aligners in a set of Invisalign treatments. The custom-fitted design will allow the aligners to push your teeth at every step of the process, gently correcting the underlying orthodontic issue.
Even if you feel that an aligner is not needed, you should not cut it out of the treatment process without discussing it with your dentist first.
What can they correct?
Invisalign aligners can correct a myriad of dental misalignments and other issues, such as mild to moderate spacing between teeth.
They can also alleviate issues associated with mild to moderate overcrowding, general misalignment, asymmetry and, depending on the severity, problems linked to overbites, underbites and crossbites.
However, your suitability for Invisalign will be determined by your dentist during your initial consultation.
How long does it take to correct misalignments?
Invisalign was designed primarily to correct mild to moderate misalignments, and so, the treatment time may be faster than you expect.
Even as the technology surrounding invisible aligners has become more sophisticated, the standard treatment time for most patients is between 3-6 months. Of course, this may vary depending on how complex your dental misalignment is and how regularly you wear your aligner. If you fail to wear your aligner for a minimum of 22 hours a day, the process can take longer and may even cause your teeth to revert to their former positions.
Will I need a retainer afterwards?
Once you have undertaken any kind of orthodontic treatment, you will likely need to wear a retainer afterwards to prevent your teeth from relapsing into their former positions.
One of the leading causes of teeth reverting to their former positions relates to patients skipping over this crucial part of the treatment. So, if you want your teeth to stay where they are, wear a retainer for as long as your dentist recommends.