Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

At the most basic level, clear aligners work similarly to standard braces, since both treatments are designed to move your teeth into a healthier position. 

However, instead of using metal components to shift your teeth, they use clear plastic trays. Each tray is designed to fit into your mouth perfectly, and apply pressure to your teeth to encourage them to move to the proper position.

By switching through multiple sets of aligners, you’ll continue to change the position of your teeth and straighten your smile, just like braces. Contact Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today to learn more and see if Invisalign is right for you.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

• Consultation – To begin the process, Dr. Goodman will assess your smile to make sure Invisalign is right for you. If you’re approved, she will use images and impressions of your teeth to build an Invisalign treatment plan. 
  

• Pick up aligners – You’ll come back to Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in a few weeks to pick up your first several sets of aligners. Dr. Goodman will provide you with instructions and tips on how to wear them, and then you’ll go home and start wearing them. You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day, and each set is typically worn for 2 weeks, after which you’ll switch to your next set as directed by Dr. Goodman.
  
  
• Periodic checkups – You’ll usually see Dr. Goodman about every 6 weeks. At this time, you’ll get a brief checkup to make sure your treatment is progressing properly, and you’ll also get your next sets of Invisalign aligners. This same basic process will repeat until your treatment is over.
  
  
• Maintaining your new smile – Once you’ve reached your desired results, you’ll get a retainer to wear at night, which will stop your teeth from moving and ensure your smile stays straight.
  

More About Invisalign

Is Invisalign Different From Other Types Of Braces? 

Yes. Invisalign is different from other types of braces because it’s not a type of braces at all. It doesn’t use any metal wires or brackets, elastic bands, or other components to move your teeth, and it’s not permanently attached to your teeth. Instead, Invisalign is made entirely of clear plastic. 

This means that Invisalign is invisible when you wear it, and will not affect your speech. It’s also completely removable, so you can take out your aligners when you need to eat or drink, or when you need to brush or floss. 

However, it is important to note that Invisalign is not quite as powerful or flexible as braces when it comes to correcting complex orthodontic problems. Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, so you’ll need to consult with Dr. Goodman at our office to see if it’s right for you. 

How Long Does It Take To See Results? 

Invisalign, like all orthodontic treatments, is a gradual process. Your teeth move very slowly, so it’s unrealistic to expect to see results after a few weeks. Rest assured, though, your teeth are moving!

You will usually start to see a subtle, but notable difference in the alignment of your teeth after about 10-12 weeks. As far as the total treatment time goes, most patients require about a year of Invisalign treatment, but everyone is different. Your treatment time may be shorter or longer, depending on the specifics of your situation.