How Do Invisalign Aligners Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Patients who want a straight and winning smile have several straightening options, one of which is Invisalign®. This system is a revolutionary technology that straightens teeth in a comfortable and discreet way via the help of clear aligners. Before one invests in the treatment, however, one may wonder, how does it work?

The Invisalign® process

Many people assume that those who undergo Invisalign® treatment opt to wear invisible retainers for 10 to 24 months. However, while a dental professional might give a patient retainers at the end of treatment, the aligners more closely resemble mouthguards.

The aligners, which are clear for discreetness and can be removed for the patient to eat, drink and socialize comfortably, are custom-fit to the patient's mouth. They are made in a dental lab and composed of clear plastic or acrylic material. The first aligner is designed to fit snuggly over the patient's current teeth. The dental professional will have a series of these trays made, each designed to push the teeth into the desired position over time.

Each aligner only moves the teeth slightly, so it is essential that patients wear the aligners in the order that the dentist recommends. Each time a patient swaps out an old aligner with a new one, the new one will feel tight. This means it is working. Once the aligner begins to feel loose, it is time for the next in the series. Typically, once the last aligner feels loose, the patient's teeth are straight.

Important information

In addition to wanting to learn more about the process, patients often wonder about the cost, treatment times and benefits of Invisalign®. These are factors both patient and doctor should discuss prior to beginning the molding process.

Cost

The cost of Invisalign®, like any other dental procedure, is dependent upon a number of factors, including the necessary extent of correction and treatment time. For instance, a patient with slightly crooked teeth will not require many aligners and may only need to undergo treatment for 10 months. However, a patient with a mouth full of crooked teeth may need a number of aligners over the course of two years. Patients for whom cost is an issue should discuss pricing and possible payment plans prior to agreeing to treatment.

Treatment time

Like with cost, treatment time varies from patient to patient. However, the typical treatment time for InvisalignÔ is between 10 to 24 months. How long treatment takes depends on the extent of misalignment the patient wishes to correct.

Benefits

The benefits of Invisalign® are many. For one, the trays are comfortable and discreet. A patient can wear them all day without others even noticing and, when it comes time to eat or drink, the patient can take the aligners out.

These aligners are also better for a patient's overall oral health. The bulky brackets and wires characteristic of braces make it difficult for patients to thoroughly brush and floss, thereby leading to plaque buildup and possible decay. With these aligners, however, patients can pop the trays out and brush and floss as normal.

Conclusion

Invisalign® is a convenient way to straighten misaligned teeth. Patients who are interested in the system should discuss treatment plans with a doctor today.

Are you considering Invisalign® in the Tucson area? Get more information at https://jorgealvarezdds.com.

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