Invisalign® – A Popular Teeth Straightening Procedure for Adults

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that become the preferred choice for many adults who want to straighten their teeth. It consists of clear aligner trays that are designed to shift the teeth gradually and discreetly. Read on to discover why Invisalign is a popular option.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment procedure for correcting uneven spacing and teeth crowding in teenagers and adults. It is preferred over traditional metal braces because it is almost invisible and generally more comfortable. It allows patients to get a better-looking smile without the intrusiveness of regular braces.

Aside from being transparent, Invisalign treatment has other benefits. The design is convenient and custom-made to fit precisely over the wearer’s teeth and can be removed when eating or brushing. Therefore, these aligners do not cause discomfort or installation issues, as is common with metal braces. Without braces and archwires in the way, Invisalign wearers go about their daily routine without being bothered by the presence of the aligners.

Invisalign is popular, not just for its convenience, but also for its excellent results, which are sometimes faster than those achieved with metal braces. This speed can be attributed to Invisalign’s SmartTrack technology, which lets dentists who provide the aligners to predict the teeth movement as the straightening procedure progresses accurately. The custom aligner trays are changed every few weeks to continuously provide the necessary pressure to shift the teeth to their proper position.

Getting started with the procedure

Although the process that goes into creating these aligners is complicated, the basis on which Invisalign straightens the teeth is easy to understand. After the initial consultation to determine the need for Invisalign, the dentist performs a detailed scan of the teeth. The results from these scans are used to create a treatment plan and estimate its duration.

After the preliminary steps, the dentist gives the patient custom-made aligners for regular use. These clear aligners must remain on the teeth for at least 20 to 22 hours daily, and should only be taken out when brushing, flossing or eating. Aside from regular dental maintenance, there is no need to take off the aligners.

Every two weeks, the patient changes their aligner trays to a new set as the teeth move gradually. They also need to visit the dentist every six weeks for a checkup and necessary adjustments.

Who can get Invisalign?

Invisalign is effective for correcting uneven gaps between teeth, overbites, crossbites and other forms of misalignment. Correctly aligning the teeth lowers the risk of gum disease and decay. Teeth straightening not only improves the smile’s appearance, but also its function. Although Invisalign is popular and suitable for most people, it is not practical for every patient.

Most patients who are old enough and do not suffer from gum disease or severe tooth decay can get Invisalign. However, Invisalign cannot work for severe cases of misalignment or crookedness. Also, anyone considering Invisalign should be ready to stay committed to wearing the aligner trays for optimal results.

Final note

If you think Invisalign might be the best way to straighten your teeth, book an appointment with the dentist today for a consultation. Your smile can be restored quickly, comfortably and discreetly.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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