How Does Invisalign Work: A Comprehensive Guide to Straightening Teeth

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, rather than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign treatment typically takes between twelve and eighteen months to complete, although the overall duration may vary from patient to patient. The length of your treatment will depend on factors such as the extent of corrections needed, your commitment to wearing the aligners as directed, and the overall health of your teeth and gums.

While Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. There are certain dental issues and conditions that may require more intensive treatment options, such as severe misalignments or crowded teeth. It is important to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you.

Invisalign works by using a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. These aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease. Each set of aligners is worn for about 20-22 hours per day for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.

The aligners gently apply pressure to move your teeth into the correct position over time. This process gradually straightens your teeth without the need for metal wires or brackets commonly used in conventional braces. The aligners are created using a 3D digital scan of your teeth, ensuring a precise and customized treatment plan for each individual.

Invisalign is known for providing a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatment option compared to traditional braces. The smooth plastic aligners reduce the risk of irritation to the mouth and gums often associated with metal braces. Additionally, the aligners can be easily removed for special occasions or when eating certain foods.

Throughout the entire process, your dentist or orthodontist will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your teeth are moving into their correct positions. Many patients report improved oral health and confidence as a result of achieving straighter teeth and a more.

What does Invisalign do?

Rather than straightening the teeth with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses multiple sets of clear plastic trays that are custom-made for the patient’s mouth.

For some, having metal braces placed on the surface of the teeth leads to embarrassment and issues with self-esteem or confidence in general. Unfortunately, traditional braces were the only option available for decades, making orthodontic treatment quite difficult and unenjoyable for many people.

Thankfully, Invisalign was introduced in 1999, forever changing the world of orthodontics.

Why is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

Invisible braces give you the freedom to confidently show off your smile while undergoing the teeth straightening treatment you need.

Some of the best benefits of Invisalign include:

• Easily take Invisalign trays in and out of the mouth for brushing, flossing, and eating
• Because the trays can be removed for eating, you can enjoy a mostly unrestricted diet
• No uncomfortable, painful, or unsightly metal brackets and wires
• Shorter overall treatment time (in most cases)
• Shorter in-office appointments during treatment
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Optimal convenience; no major interruptions to your life

Ultimately, this method of treatment is an effective solution for people who don’t want to sacrifice convenience or comfort while undergoing corrective orthodontic treatment. 

With Invisalign, you have the power to pursue the smile of your dreams on your own terms.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Before pursuing Invisalign teeth straightening treatment, it’s important to know how invisible braces work. Let’s break down the Invisalign process to give you a better understanding:

Scanning and Planning

While Invisalign produces incredible results, the actual process is quite simple. When you begin your treatment, intelligent 3D imaging is used to examine the current state of your mouth, as well as to project your intended outcome.

For many people, the ability to take a “sneak peak” at the final outcome is incredibly exciting, and serves as inspiration to remain dedicated to treatment during its duration.

Using Invisalign’s intelligent iTero Element scanner, your dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth and create a precise treatment plan that is unique to you – and only you. Digital mapping software allows your dentist to plan every aspect of your treatment, completely eliminating guesswork.

Within minutes, you will have the ability to accurately visualize the outcome of your treatment and work side-by-side with your dentist as an informed partner.

Putting Your Invisalign to Work

Next, your set of custom plastic Invisalign trays will be made and placed inside your mouth. You will be instructed to wear these trays for a minimum of 22 hours each day for a few weeks, and you will be given the chance to ask any and all questions you may have.

During this time, the trays will focus on correcting a specific area of the mouth by applying continuous pressure to the teeth. After these teeth have been aligned, you will receive another set of Invisalign trays that focus on another section of teeth. 

This continues until your treatment is complete and you have achieved a straight and beautiful smile; most people typically receive somewhere between twenty and thirty trays.

Consequently, Invisalign treatment typically takes between twelve to eighteen months to complete – though overall treatment time varies from patient to patient. As long as you keep up with properly wearing and caring for your trays, you will likely begin to see results within just a few weeks.

Your dentist will be able to provide you with an estimation of just how long your treatment will take during your initial consultation; treatment time is dependent upon the amount of corrections that will need to be made, your dedication to treatment, and the health of your teeth and gums.

After your Invisalign treatment is finished, you will of course want to preserve your beautiful new smile. You will receive a set of custom-made Vivera retainers, which are 30% stronger than other retainers and optimized to preserve and protect your teeth.

Is Invisalign Right For Me?

While Invisalign is an incredible and modern method of orthodontic treatment, it may not be right for everyone.

Invisible braces are capable of treating many of the same issues that are treated with traditional braces, but it’s important to keep in mind that there are some exceptions, such as:

• Severe bite issues
• Severe teeth crowding
• Untreated or severe gum disease
• TMJ
• Pre-existing crowns, bridges, or dental implants

It is worth mentioning that Invisalign may also not be an ideal option for someone who will have trouble remembering to wear their trays for a minimum of 22 hours each day; in order for the trays to successfully shift the teeth, they must be kept inside the mouth as much as possible.

In order to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign, it is best to have a consultation with your trusted dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will take a look at the health of your teeth and gums and discuss your expectations, wants, and needs.

If it is determined that you are not an ideal candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will most likely recommend that you pursue traditional braces, instead.

The Wellness Dental team is here for you. For the best Invisalign teeth straightening in Arizona, place your trust in the dental experts at Wellness Dental.

We are here to help you design and achieve the gorgeous smile that you have always dreamed of. For more information about our services or to get scheduled in one of our dental clinics, give us a call today.

FAQ

How fast do teeth move with Invisalign?

The speed at which your teeth shift during Invisalign treatment can vary depending on individual factors such as the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. In general, most patients experience noticeable movement within the first few weeks of wearing their aligners.

What are the disadvantages of Invisalign?

While Invisalign is a popular option for straightening teeth due to its discreet appearance and convenient removable aligners, there are some disadvantages to consider. One drawback is that Invisalign may not be suitable for more complex orthodontic issues, such as severe misalignment or overcrowding. In these cases, traditional braces may be a more effective treatment option.

How long does it take for an Invisalign to work?

After completing your Invisalign treatment, it is important to understand that the time it takes for Invisalign to work can vary depending on individual factors. Factors such as the complexity of your case, how consistently you wear your aligners, and how well you follow your dentist’s instructions all play a role in determining the speed of your progress.

How painful is Invisalign?

While Invisalign is known for being a more comfortable and less painful alternative to traditional braces, some patients may still experience some discomfort during treatment. This discomfort is usually mild and temporary, typically occurring when you first start wearing a new set of aligners or when adjustments are made. It is common to feel some pressure or soreness as your teeth begin to shift into their new positions.

Is Invisalign faster than braces?

Invisalign is often considered to be a faster alternative to traditional braces due to its ability to straighten teeth more efficiently. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle pressure to gradually shift them into the desired position. This can result in quicker results compared to braces, which may require longer treatment times due to their fixed nature.

How loose do teeth get with Invisalign?

One common concern that patients have when considering Invisalign treatment is how loose their teeth may become during the process. As the aligners work to gradually shift your teeth into their new positions, it is normal for them to feel slightly loose. This sensation is a sign that the aligners are doing their job and gently moving your teeth.

Can Invisalign move teeth overnight?

While Invisalign is known for its ability to gradually move teeth into their desired positions, it is important to manage expectations regarding the speed of this process. It is a common misconception that Invisalign can move teeth overnight. In reality, the speed at which your teeth shift during treatment can vary depending on various factors.