Nowadays, Invisalign is as common as traditional braces. When you go to the orthodontist, chances are you’ll be shown multiple treatment options from Invisalign clear aligners to the traditional bracket-and-wire braces that come to mind when you hear the word orthodontist. But how exactly does Invisalign even work? Is a completely invisible treatment where you can eat whatever you want too good to be true? Not at all!
What is an Invisalign Aligner?
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays customized to fit each patient. Through cutting-edge 3D printing and imaging technology, Invisalign and your orthodontist craft a step-by-step process to adjust your teeth to make the perfect smile. The iTero system is used to digitally image your teeth. Taking 6,000 pictures per second, iTero gives your orthodontist a 3D picture that accurately represents your mouth, with no sticky and uncomfortable impressions needed.
Aligners are made from a meticulously researched and tested thermoplastic. This flexible and strong material allows for seamless comfort in the aligner’s fit and specified treatment. Aligners are 3D printed and modeled to each patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw individually. The thermoplastic SmartTrack material Invisalign is crafted from allows your treatment to be customized and completely invisible!
Invisalign Treatment Breakdown
Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation from your Invisalign-trained orthodontist. They will create a customized step-by-step treatment plan for you to follow. Invisalign boasts quick results – you should start to see improvement within a couple of weeks. You’ll switch sets of aligners every one to two weeks and see the results of gradual change soon after you begin. Some Invisalign treatments can take as little as six months to complete!
During treatment, you’ll see your orthodontists regularly. Their expertise ensures you are getting the best possible care throughout the process. There are numerous benefits to straightening your smile with Invisalign. Of course, Invisalign is very discreet. Because aligners are clear, Invisalign is hard to see in your mouth. Invisalign is also removable, which means your brushing and flossing habits don’t have to change. It also means none of the foods your friends complain about not being able to eat are off limits! Invisalign has none of the food-based restrictions of traditional braces.
What is SmartForce?
Some treatment plans with Invisalign include SmartForce. SmartForce attachments are small tooth-colored handles for aligners to rest on. They are still almost unnoticeable and are what allows Invisalign to accomplish complex tooth movement without traditional braces. SmartForce essentially gives aligners guidance to ensure the correct amount of force is applied in the correct direction during treatment. Because SmartForce attachments are for complex cases, not every patient needs them!
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign can help with most orthodontic issues, but the most common are overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowding, gap teeth, and general straightening. Your orthodontist is highly qualified to recommend and explain the best course of treatment for you and your mouth!
Can Kids Get Invisalign?
Invisalign isn’t just for adult orthodontics! Kids and teens can also be Invisalign candidates. Invisalign Teen is an Invisalign treatment for teenagers specifically. Invisalign can be used to effectively treat a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth in a mouth and address those issues. Its discreet and comfortable nature makes it ideal for teen treatment as well!
