Invisible braces – that’s what Invisalign is. This advanced prosthetic dental device removes the wires and brackets that are usually associated with traditional braces. They are clear and custom made, providing all the functions associated with braces. They support in straightening teeth and move it to the desired position.
Who doesn’t wish for properly aligned and beautiful teeth? Crooked and misaligned teeth not only mar your smile, but also bring in associated dental problems. Teeth decay, cavities, gum infection, halitosis etc. are some such dental issues.
The Invisalign Procedure
Many people would like to have straight perfect teeth, but would hesitate when it comes to wearing braces. The main reason is it is very obvious that one is using braces. Invisalign helps overcome this issue and also the other limitations and discomfort that comes along with using traditional braces.
Like all dental prosthetic devices, a dental consultation will determine if Invisalign is a suitable treatment to one’s specific issue. Nature of dental issue, the severity of the problem, if there are other dental concerns that will obstruct this treatment, oral health etc. are all taken into consideration when a dentist decides on a treatment plan.
Dental impressions of the teeth, X rays etc. are taken at the initial phase of the treatment plan. This data is used to create a 3D image of the teeth. Later specialists will work on how Invisalign will help in aligning the teeth. Later dental trays are created according to the measurements of the teeth. The trays are slipped on to the teeth, during the course of the treatment the trays are designed in such a way that they move or straighten the teeth to the desired position. Slight pressure is applied on the teeth to aid in this movement.
There are different types of Invisalign available. They are used differentiated according to abnormalities, for teens etc. As the treatment progresses with Invisalign, they are changed every few weeks. Teeth become aligned to the desired position with each Invisalign. Duration of treatment though varies with each person, many notice changes within the first few weeks of the treatment itself.
After Invisalign treatment is complete, dentists will also suggest wearing retainers. There are also clear like Invisalign. Body changes as a person ages, changes are seen in the teeth also. Retainers help to keep the teeth in the desired position. Dentists will decide on the duration of wearing retainers depending on each person’s dental condition. Generally it is recommended for a short time and then it is worn only during the night. Retainers also come in two types – fixed retainers and removable retainers.
Benefits of Invisalign
One of the evident benefits of Invisalign is the invisibility the device brings in. This clear and invisible Invisalign provides benefits without others knowing one is using devices to straighten teeth. No other brace can provide this type of special support. When one thinks about traditional braces, the metal wires come into our mind, along with it comes the discomfort the wires can bring in. They can poke the soft tissues in the mouth and cause injury. Invisalign is made with soft plastic like material that does not cause any injury to the mouth.
Many dental issues can be corrected using Invisalign. Gap between teeth is a common problem and can be corrected through Invisalign. Another issue that is corrected using this highly developed device is overcrowded teeth. Teeth can be moved to their original position using this device. Invisalign can also treat overbite and underbite problems.
These devices can be removed when consuming food. These trays are easy to remove and can be worn again with ease. Lifestyle and food habits need not be changed unlike when one is using braces. How the progress is being made, how the facial structure will change and how the appearance changes drastically – all this can be understood using the latest technology that Invisalign uses.
Caring for Invisalign
Following regular cleaning practices while wearing Invisalign and retainers is important. Brushing teeth and flossing is important to have good dental health. It is also important that Invisalign is also cleaned thoroughly each time it is removed and worn again. As Invisalign can be removed when consuming food, not much food debris will be attached to it. Smoking and using tobacco while wearing Invisalign should be avoided as this can stain it.
Invisalign can be cleaned using a brush. Cleaning can also be done in warm water. Brushing after each meal is recommended as if the mouth is not properly cleaned, food particles and bacteria can get attached to them. So it does not help much even if you remove Invisalign while consuming food. Special cleaning products are available in the market – on the advice of the dentist one can use them to ensure a totally clean Invisalign.
Invisalign is one of the latest developments in the field of orthodontics. The focus of this branch of medicine is the alignment of teeth and jaws and also promoting dental health. Tooth decay can be greatly reduced using this type of treatment. Invisalign is better suited for adults and teenagers. A child’s teeth are still growing and changed happen rapidly – so dentists generally do not recommend them for children. Once the teeth are permanent and the jaw and teeth structure is set, Invisalign can help to straighten the teeth. If as a child a person has used braces, then Invisalign need not be worn for a longer time. As it uses state of the art technology, when compared with other braces, this costs a bit more. Promoting oral health is possible using Invisalign due to the ease of using it and also easier cleaning and maintaining it.