Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that can be a fantastic alternative to traditional braces. This method uses removable clear aligners that are virtually invisible when worn to gradually realign teeth into healthier arrangements that are more resistant to injury and infection. Here’s a quick look at how Invisalign works and how it may be able to help you achieve a more beautiful and functional smile.
What Issues Can Invisalign Address?
Invisalign can address a range of mild to moderate dental alignment issues like:
- Gaps: Large spaces between teeth can be distracting and may leave the gums vulnerable to injury.
- Crowding: Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which makes it more difficult to avoid infections.
- Overbite: If the top teeth sit too far in front of the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed, they may be more vulnerable to injury and uneven enamel wear.
- Underbite: If the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth when the mouth is closed, the patient may experience uneven enamel erosion as well as jaw pain.
- Crossbite: If all of the top teeth do not rest in front of the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed, the patient may experience issues like aches of the jaw, neck, back, or head as well as unnecessary enamel erosion.
- Open bite: If the top and bottom teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed, the patient may have difficulty biting and chewing and may experience accelerated enamel wear.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign process begins with a dentist using a specialized device to create a three-dimensional map of the patient’s bite. This data is then sent to a lab where it is used to construct a series of customized clear aligners designed to exert the consistent pressure necessary to shift the teeth into healthier alignments. The patient will have to wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set in their sequence. Invisalign typically takes six to eighteen months to realign a smile if the patient adheres to their treatment instructions.
How Can I Keep My Invisalign Treatment on Track?
To keep your Invisalign treatment on track and avoid frustrating complications that can cause delays, you’ll have to stick to several important habits. These include:
- Wearing your aligners for at least twenty hours a day.
- Removing your aligners only before eating or drinking anything but water and for oral hygiene sessions.
- Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth each time before you put your aligners back in.
- Carefully rinsing your aligners each time before wearing them.
- Storing your aligners in an appropriate protective case when not wearing them.
- Seeing your dentist for check-in appointments so they can make sure your treatment is progressing as planned and provide you with new aligners when necessary.
Dental misalignments can lead to persistent discomfort as well as oral health problems. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to straighten out your smile.
About the Practice
Frandsen Dental of West Jordan offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Brian Frandsen, Benjamin Cluff, and Dan Dansie, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign. To schedule your consultation for orthodontic treatment, please contact the office online or dial (801) 890-0030.