If you or your child are unhappy with how your smile looks, you’re definitely not alone. Fortunately, there are now safe and effective options for addressing just about every aesthetic issue, letting you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamt of having.
In the past, your options were typically limited to some form of fixed metal braces, which were often uncomfortable, could be restrictive and difficult to clean, and in many cases made the person wearing them even more self-conscious about their appearance. The Invisalign system changes this, using clear plastic aligners to achieve great results without the downsides you’d experience with other orthodontic solutions.
The Invisalign Process
Just like all dental treatments, Invisalign starts with a consultation with your trusted dentist. They’ll look at your teeth and confirm whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Assuming you are, they’ll then either take molds of your teeth or use a special iTero scanner to create a digital 3D model of your teeth. This information is then used to create the Invisalign clear plastic aligners that form the cornerstone of the Invisalign treatment.
You’ll have another appointment once your first set of custom aligners is ready, which will typically be around four weeks after your initial consultation. Over the course of your treatment, you’ll have a number of different aligners, all precisely tailored to you, as well as follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
How Do The Invisalign Clear Aligners Work?
The Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle but constant pressure to your teeth, causing them to slowly shift in position and orientation throughout your treatment. Although you’ll not be able to see the difference from one day to the next, the aligners can make a huge impact on your teeth over the weeks and months you wear them.
As your teeth move into their ideal positions, you’ll be given new aligners that differ slightly to ensure that they’ll always provide just the right amount of pressure exactly where it’s needed. Each new set of aligners builds on the previous ones in this way, bringing you one step closer to the smile of your dreams.
How Does Invisalign Work For Overbites?
Invisalign isn’t just good for addressing issues like crooked teeth or teeth with gaps between them. It can also be used to effectively treat other conditions such as an excessive overbite while straightening your teeth at the same time.
This is done by using special aligners featuring precision wings that push your lower jaw forward while straightening your teeth at the same time. Just like with the teeth straightening effects, permanent results are achieved through gentle but near-constant pressure being applied over a period of months.
How Does Invisalign Compare to Braces?
Both braces and Invisalign work in a similar way, applying constant pressure to the teeth in order to gradually change their alignment into one that looks and feels better for you. However, Invisalign does differ from braces in a few key ways, beyond the immediate visual difference.
These differences are primarily related to the fact that the Invisalign clear plastic aligners are removable. This makes it much easier to keep your mouth clean while wearing them and means that you won’t have to alter your diet while using them. However, for the aligners to work effectively, you’ll still need to make sure you wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. In practice, this means only removing them to eat and brush your teeth or for other exceptional reasons.
What Are The Next Steps?
If you think that Invisalign could be the right option for you or your child, you have more questions, or you want to explore all your dental options, Smilestone Dental in downtown Vancouver is happy to help. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you with your dental needs or to book an appointment with our friendly and professional team.
