5 Interesting Facts About Invisalign®

Jul 01 , 2021

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that has existed in dental healthcare practice for a while. It helps address the alignment problems of teeth for different patients. For the longest time, traditional braces were the most popular dental appliance for use in orthodontics. Still, they are not the most conservative devices. Anyone can tell from a distance that you have braces on, which makes people feel nervous about going through orthodontic treatment. If you are among such people, there is good news for you. Today, oral appliances that are conservative and cosmetically likable for patients are available.

What Is Invisalign?

It is a dental appliance used in orthodontics to realign teeth, just as traditional braces are used. However, they are a lot different from the usual braces that feature metal brackets and wires. Instead, these come in a transparent plastic-like material, formed according to the impressions of your teeth. This one feature is the reason they are considered invisible aligners.

Facts About Invisalign Braces

Invisalign® has become the game-changer in dentistry. Many people, particularly adults, are quickly getting fond of the idea that orthodontic treatment might just be the best possible option for perfecting their smiles. The following interesting facts are the defining factors for the invisible braces:

1. They are removable – not only are these convenient clear braces for teeth because of their transparent nature but also because they are removable. You, therefore, have the freedom to remove them when you eat, which means no restrictions for the food choices. One other advantage of the removability aspect of invisible teeth aligners is that it makes your oral hygiene much easier to manage. Given that these aligners stain easily, removing them when you eat can help to keep them as clean as possible.
2. There is a clock to the wear time – much as these invisible braces are removable there is a catch to it. You have to keep them on for between 20-22 hours every day. This period is sufficient to ensure that your treatment is working as it should.
3. Different aligners throughout your treatment – this is a major distinguishing factor for the clear aligners. They are not adjusted the same way as metal braces. Instead, every couple of months, you will visit your dentist for a new set of aligners. Every time you get a new set of clear dental aligners, they will be tighter than the previous one. This process will continue throughout your treatment until you get the desired results.
4. Customized treatment plan – your attending orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan that is unique to your current problem. The treatment plan Entails how long your treatment is likely to last, as well as how many sets these teeth aligners you will use during that period.
5. They work through controlled pressure – are you wondering how your teeth could shift to a new position after being on the same spot for too long? Well, these aligners work by exerting controlled pressure on teeth consistently over a particular period. This pressure causes teeth to start shifting, usually from the crown to the roots. The shifting process usually takes time, which is why you need a treatment plan.

Should You Get Them?

Invisalign braces are very attractive and likable from the look of things. Given that most celebrities flaunt these aligners through their life, it could convince you to try them. However, it is such a bummer that these aligners are not fit for everyone.

Clear dental aligners are only useful for treating mild cases of malpositioning. The very complex cases in orthodontics are best handled by traditional braces. Even then, do not rule yourself out without consulting a dentist near you. A thorough dental exam to check your teeth and your jawbone will help determine which oral appliance is best for your treatment. Overall, you are a suitable candidate for orthodontics if you have any of the following oral problems:

1. Crooked teeth
2. Spaces between teeth – that are not necessarily as a result of losing teeth.
3. Crowded mouth – the situation where your jawbone is too small for the number of teeth you have. It also applies when the sizes of your teeth are too big to fit on your jawbone in a straight alignment.