Invisalign’s results are dependent on the patient’s compliance. They must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hour a day.

Invisalign express is less expensive than veneers and corrects more problems, including crooked teeth. Also, many PPO dental insurance plans cover Invisalign.

How It Works

Invisalign aligners are made of medical-grade clear plastic, as opposed to traditional braces with metal brackets. They are almost invisible, and can be removed to eat, brush, and floss. During treatment, patients switch to the next set of trays in the series every two weeks. This process continues until the desired results are achieved. Invisalign utilizes a technology called SmartForce that helps move teeth more quickly. SmartForce works by sending a small amount of extra pressure to the teeth that need it most. This helps to speed up the movement and reduce the overall treatment time.

Invisalign is also less likely to cause sensitivity than traditional braces, which can often be very irritating. However, this doesn’t mean that there will not be some discomfort during the first few days after a new tray is inserted. This is normal and is a sign that the aligners are working. Those who experience this should stick with the treatment plan and keep in mind that it will improve after a short period of time.

The most important thing to remember when wearing Invisalign is that it will only work if you wear the trays consistently. Many teens may be tempted to take the trays out more frequently than is recommended, which can significantly decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

Wearing the trays for 20 to 22 hours per day, only taking them out for meals or to brush and floss, will ensure that your smile straightening progresses as quickly as possible. Failure to wear them as directed can significantly affect your treatment timeline, so be sure to stick with the regimen that is recommended by your dentist or orthodontist.

Treatment Time

The speed at which a patient’s teeth move with Invisalign also depends on how compliant they are with their orthodontist’s instructions. Wearing the aligners as recommended for 22 hours per day can help them work as quickly as possible. If you don’t change the trays out at the right time, or take them out unnecessarily, it can extend the treatment.

Invisalign is no different from traditional braces in that it requires the patient’s full cooperation. Invisalign, unlike veneers that cover the surface, moves the teeth to create an improved smile. If the teeth aren’t repositioned correctly, it will take more time to achieve the desired outcome. Patients should not only wear the trays according to instructions, but also attend their scheduled appointments.

A common misconception about Invisalign is that the treatment is more expensive than traditional braces. However, there are a number of factors that influence the overall cost of Invisalign, including the severity of the alignment issue, how many trays are required, and more. Fortunately, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign, so it’s worth checking with your benefits manager at work or your insurer’s customer service to see if you qualify for coverage.

Aligners

Aligners are clear, plastic appliances that slide over your teeth to exert a gentle, constant pressure. Each aligner will move your teeth by the pre-programmed amounts, according to your treatment plan. You wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series. This process continues until your smile is straighter. Your orthodontist recommends a specific plan based on the unique needs of each patient. This includes how long to expect you to be in treatment and if you will need attachments, power-ridges, or other features to speed up your results.

Most aligners are made of polymethyl methacrylate, which is the same material used to make Plexiglas or acrylics. It is durable and strong. However, aligners are also available in transparent polyethersulfone (PES) for those who are concerned about their durability or who may be prone to chewing on objects that could damage the plastic.

Other innovative features include slits for composite buttons that attach to the tooth, composite power ridges that can be placed on certain teeth, and wing-shaped attachments that correct underbites by leveraging aligners to move the lower jaw forward. Additionally, Invisalign is the latest version of the aligner that can be used for those with minor crowding or overbite issues because it allows doctors to focus pressure on specific areas of the teeth and jaw, allowing for faster results.

The most important step in the Invisalign process is the initial consultation. The orthodontist uses advanced technology to scan the mouth and create a virtual model of your teeth. The orthodontist will discuss your goals with you and determine whether Invisalign would be the best option. Unlike mail-in aligners, your orthodontist will monitor your progress and ensure that you are getting the best results possible.

Retainers

When a person’s Invisalign treatment is complete, they must continue to wear their retainers to prevent their teeth from shifting back into their old positions. People who don’t wear their retainers risk losing all the progress they made through braces or Invisalign, which would mean spending a lot of time and money to get their smile back to where it started.

Retainers are available in a variety of forms, but all retainers are designed to hold the teeth in the new position after orthodontic treatment. You should discuss with your dentist or orthodontist the type of retainer you need.

Some retainers are made from clear plastic, such as the Invisalign aligners you wore throughout your treatment. These retainers are popular because they’re almost invisible and, unless you point them out, no one will know that you’re wearing a retainer. They are also easy to remove while eating or brushing teeth. They come in different sizes to suit the needs of every patient.

A permanent retainer can also be used. This is bonded onto the lower teeth with dental adhesive. A permanent retainer may be recommended for patients who have had crooked, or shifted teeth while undergoing braces or Invisalign treatment. You can also use a permanent retention to correct bite issues that were caused by bad habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth.

A retainer that isn’t cleaned properly can cause bacteria to build up, which could lead to a bad taste in the mouth and even gum disease. It’s vital to clean your retainers morning and night, before and after removing them. You should also use special dental cleaners to prevent odors and discolouration.

Replace your retainers as soon as they feel loose or uncomfortable. A loose retainer can cause the teeth to shift. This could lead to little gaps or overlaps, which will make you smile less than perfect.