Just like braces, clear aligners progressively realign crooked teeth, but they are more portable and convenient. Compared to traditional braces, clear dental aligners are also a less obvious technique to straighten teeth. They have therefore gained popularity as a teeth-straightening solution.
While your aligners are at work straightening out your teeth, you can continue to eat all the things you want, brush and floss as usual, and smile as widely as ever. However, having perfectly aligned teeth can do more than simply give you a dashing smile. It can also lower your risk of long-term excessive tooth wear and make it simpler for you to clean plaque off of your teeth. Plaque formation can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
How do Clear Aligners work?
The initial step is to visit your orthodontist for a checkup. Based on your particular needs, the orthodontist will determine during the examination whether you are a strong choice for treatment. There are other types of aligners, and your orthodontist has a variety of options to pick from, not only Invisalign if clear aligners are the best option for you. The provider’s ability and experience, not the particular type of clear aligner utilized in the procedure, will determine your results the most.
Your orthodontist will take notes, including pictures of your face and teeth, to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign or another type of aligner judged best for your condition. Additionally, an X-ray and oral scan will be scheduled. A 3D model of your teeth is then built at a clear aligner lab, like Invisalign, using the records that were previously supplied there. Your customized treatment plan will be created by your orthodontist, who will then order your series of trays.
You must wear each tray, also known as an aligner, for one to two weeks after receiving it. Each tray has your teeth somewhat more straightforward than the one before it. Teeth typically shift 1/10mm with each tray. Your teeth are put under pressure due to the variation in alignment between your teeth’s impression in the new aligner and their current alignment. Your teeth will start to move to fit the tray over a week or two of wearing it. Clear aligners like Invisalign condition by applying gentle pressure from a series of trays.
How long must you use the aligners?
The capacity to take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss is one of the major advantages of clear aligner systems. Additionally, you may easily clean them with your regular toothbrush. To give your teeth the best chance of moving to their final, straighter position, you should wear the aligners for about 22 hours per day.
Treatment can last anywhere from six months to twelve months on average for adults. However, depending on how serious your situation is, times may change. Together, you and your orthodontist will develop a customized treatment strategy that meets your needs.
What happens after the last trays?
You will be given retainers once you have worn all of the final trays. These plastic retainers typically resemble the treatment trays. The retainer’s function is to help in maintaining the position of your newly straightened teeth. You may need to use the retainer full-time for six weeks. Then you can reduce its use to only while you sleep. You could eventually be allowed to wear it just one or two nights a week, but only under the supervision and recommendations of your orthodontist.
