How Does Invisalign Fix Crooked Teeth?

Invisalign is a huge game-changer for orthodontics. This clear plastic aligner system has appealed to thousands of orthodontic patients around the world. Better aesthetics is the most appealing part of this treatment method, but this should not be the only consideration when getting orthodontic treatment. To fix some issues, other treatments like braces are more suitable, so it helps to get personalized advice from an orthodontist.

Dental Issues for Invisalign

Crooked teeth. Crooked teeth are when your teeth are not straight and not aligned correctly.
Overbite. This happens when the upper teeth close too far in front of the bottom teeth, making biting and chewing difficult.
Underbite. An underbite is when the bottom teeth are in front of the upper teeth. This causes the teeth to wear down quickly and creates speech difficulties.
Crossbite. A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, instead of outside. This can cause the teeth to chip and wear down, and the gums to recede.
Teeth gaps. A gap between two or more teeth creates a spacing issue. The excess space can cause food to get caught between them causing pain and gum disease.
Open bite. An open bite is when the lower and upper teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed.
Teeth crowding. If there is not enough room in the jaw for all your teeth, they can twist and overlap, contributing to tartar and plaque buildup.

The Process of Invisalign

There is a common misconception that Invisalign is just a retainer, but this is not correct. At the end of the Invisalign treatment, the patient will be given a retainer to wear to ensure that the teeth remain in place. But in the process of straightening the patient’s teeth, they will wear a series of aligners, an excellent solution created with computer imaging software to predict how the teeth will move.

Each aligner will move the teeth slightly, so the next aligner in the series has to build upon what the last one did, and so on. Thus, it is important that patients wear their aligners in order. Every time a patient puts a new one on, it will feel tight, so the teeth can slightly feel sore. After a while, they will start to feel loose, signaling that it is time to wear the next aligner in the series. Once the patient goes through wearing all the aligners, their teeth should be perfectly straight.

The Time frame of Invisalign

Many people find that Invisalign that straightens teeth faster than braces, but this is not always the case. The length of the Invisalign treatment will depend on what the procedure does overall. However, it can take less time since the patient will not have to visit the orthodontist to make adjustments to the wires.

Take note that teeth need to move in a set fashion; when it is sped up, it can cause unnecessary irritation and even damage the roots. To avoid these problems, the teeth have to be moved gradually. Once a patient visits the dentist for a consultation, they can discuss their treatment plan and how long it will take.

The Cost of Invisalign

Like most people, you might have concerns about how much it would cost you to fix your teeth with Invisalign. You might think that it is expensive, but it can actually be very affordable. Anyone who can afford to get braces can very well afford this alternative solution. Ask your orthodontist if there are any payment arrangements you can make. They should be happy to talk to you about them.

Invisalign can be a very effective solution to improving the function and appearance of your smile. These clear aligners offer you a more discreet way to straighten your teeth. Truly, this is an excellent option that you should check out.