You may have been conscious about your smile for some time – maybe since you stopped wearing your retainer after your high school braces and noticed your teeth had moved again, or maybe your whole adult teeth’s life span. You also may have heard of Invisalign – a “magical, clear braces system that can straighten your teeth”. So how does Invisalign work and will it actually give you the smile you wish you had?
What is Invisalign? How does it work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that helps to align teeth using a series of trays/ aligners. These trays are made of clear plastic material, which is custom made for each individual. Unlike braces which are attached to teeth, these trays are removable and cover the surface of the teeth. The series of aligners (each a little different to the next aligner) allow the teeth to move into its ideal position. The aligners are worn for at least 22 hours each day, and are changed to a new set every 2 weeks. The length of treatment time depends on the complexity of each case, and treatment can take anywhere from three months for simple cases to two years for complex cases.
What are the advantages of Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign aligners are an effective way to straighten teeth and some of its advantages are:
- They are virtually invisible – unlike braces which have the metal wires and bracket, these clear aligners make it easier to carry out day to day activities without feeling too self-conscious about having orthodontic treatment.
- More comfortable – with Invisalign clear aligners there are no wires or brackets which can often irritate the cheeks and gums.
- They are removable – making it easier to eat and drink what you love.
- Better oral hygiene – since Invisalign is removable, it makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
What type of orthodontic cases is Invisalign suitable for?
The Invisalign system has become advanced and most orthodontic cases can be treated with Invisalign. Here are some examples of different types of cases Invisalign is suited for:
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| Crowded teeth | Straighter Teeth | Open Bite | Gap Teeth |
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| Crossbite | Underbite | Overbite |
As you can see, Invisalign works to smooth out most smiles, but you need an expert team with you on the journey to make sure you get the best out of your investment and the NSDP are definitely experts! To learn more about Invisalign, you can read our Invisalign articles or see some of the Invisalign before and after photos.
Will Invisalign work for your teeth? Our friendly and experienced team at North Sydney Dental Practice can let you know the answer, give us a call at 02 8074 5386 to start your journey to a better smile.
