How Invisalign Corrects Dental Misalignment?

 Dr. Kurtz | June 14, 2022

You have probably heard people talk about Invisalign clear aligners and how well it can straighten misaligned teeth. However, compared to traditional metal braces, it’s still fairly new, so you may not know as much about it as you’d like.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at Invisalign treatment and how it corrects teeth, gum, and jaw misalignment. Invisalign promises to give you a straighter, more beautiful smile- as long as you comply with your treatment protocol.

Invisalign Explained

Yes, just as the name implies, Invisalign clear aligners are almost “invisible”. This is a set of clear trays that are meant to be used as a substitute for traditional metal braces. These trays are transparent, removable, and comfortable.

They are made with BPA-free plastic, which is fairly translucent, so it’s hard to see that you’re wearing them. This is why so many adults and teens prefer this method for straightening their teeth over traditional metal braces.

The trays are custom-made based on a 3D model of your mouth so that the aligners will be able to gradually shift your teeth into the appropriate position. As your teeth move, you will be required to switch to the next set of aligners as directed by the dentist.

How Does Invisalign Work and straightens teeth?

Invisalign works similar to metal braces but puts a steady, gentle pressure on your teeth to move them. Your aligners will shift your teeth into a more optimal position. While you may feel some discomfort, which is natural and shows you that they are working. You will not experience significant pain.

While it’s nice to have an option to remove the aligners, it’s also important that you wear them as prescribed- typically for 22 hours a day- in order for them to be effective.

Also, it’s important to note that Invisalign treatment is typically much shorter than other methods. In fact, statistics show that on average, Invisalign takes 6 months less than traditional metal braces.

That being said, it depends on the severity of your misalignment. Most mild dental flaws can be resolved in 6 to 12 months. If your problem is more complex, you may be instructed to wear them for up to 18 months to ensure that your teeth are properly straightened. Invisalign for teens straightens teeth much faster than other people.

Your compliance with the treatment instructions has an impact on the length of your treatment time. This is why you are instructed to wear them for at least 22 hours a day.

You may remove them when you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or sipping on hot drinks- the heat could cause the plastic to soften and lose its shape.

Since the aligners completely cover your teeth, it’s important to brush your teeth after you eat to keep food out of them. You will need to schedule follow-up appointments every 4 to 6 weeks so that the dentist can monitor your progress. You will not be required to come in every time you switch to a new set of aligners.

Invisalign also offers a variety of other benefits as well, beyond simply straightening your teeth.

Is Invisalign More Effective than Traditional Metal Braces?

Typically, Invisalign patients have better gums than those who have metal braces. Also, their risk of tooth decay and poor breath is reduced. This is because you can brush and floss your teeth easier since the aligners are removable.

The only additional step in your oral hygiene process with Invisalign would be cleaning the trays. Ideally, you should soak them in a special cleaner, but if you don’t have time to do that, you can rinse them with cold water. Do not use hot water, as that could cause them to become deformed.

However, with traditional metal braces , a significant portion of your teeth are covered, which creates crevices where food can get stuck. This cultivates the bacteria that is responsible for plaque and tartar.

Plus, since you can remove your clear aligners, you don’t have to be worried about food restrictions. On the other hand, you do want to be careful what you eat and avoid eating foods that are high in sugars or starch.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign depends on several factors, including:

  • Length of treatment
  • Starting condition of your teeth
  • Dentist overseeing the treatment

That being said, the cost is comparable to the cost of metal braces. On average, you can expect to pay around $5,000. Your actual cost may be more or less, depending on the above factors. Also, it’s important to note that some dental insurance companies will cover Invisalign treatment, especially if it is a restorative treatment as opposed to a purely cosmetic one.

Invisalign Results

As you might expect, the anticipated outcome of your Invisalign treatment depends on a few factors, such as the severity of misalignment and how compliant you are with treatment.

In addition to moving teeth into their appropriate position, Invisalign can also fix a variety of other issues, including:

In the past, metal braces were the better option for treating more complicated dental issues. However, as the technology surrounding Invisalign continues to improve, its ability to provide results similar to metal braces is amazing.

What Can Invisalign Not Fix?

As you can see, there are several dental issues that Invisalign can fix. However, there are also some that cannot be fixed with Invisalign treatment. For example, if you have a tooth that is severely rotated, Invisalign may not help.

Additionally, while Invisalign can address gapped teeth, it can only tackle small gaps. If you have large gaps, this may not be the best option for you.

Finally, Invisalign cannot raise or lower the position of a tooth in the jawline and is unable to correct a midline discrepancy greater than 2 mm.

Is Invisalign Right For You?

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign and whether or not it is right for you, schedule your consultation today. At Invisalign-Toronto, Dr. Jeremy Kurtz can help you learn more about Invisalign treatment and whether or not it’s the right choice for you. He is an Invisalign Certified Preferred Provider. He has the experience and expertise to straighten your teeth, gum, and jaw misalignments.

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