How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and your teeth only. This allows them to move your teeth into their correct positions gradually, and is virtually unnoticeable to those around you.

How Invisalign Benefits You

Invisalign is different than braces and other dental appliances in several ways. First, Invisalign uses a series of smooth plastic aligners to straighten teeth rather than brackets and wires. This lets patients avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional braces.

Plus, Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. That allows Invisalign patients to enjoy all their favorite foods without worrying about damaging their braces.

The Side Effects of Invisalign

Traditional braces are highly effective, but Invisalign is close behind. In fact, Invisalign patients achieve about the same results as those using traditional braces. Invisalign rarely comes with any side effects. However, some patients experience slight discomfort and irritation where their Invisalign trays come into contact. This usually goes away within a few days.

Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces?

Invisalign was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. In fact, the aligners are completely removable, so you can take them out whenever you want. You can even take them out for meals, special events, and family photos.

However, Invisalign isn’t for everyone. It may not be the best option for severe misalignment, and more complex cases may require traditional braces. If your dentist recommends Invisalign, he or she will have to perform a 3D scan of your teeth. These scans will help the Invisalign lab technicians create aligners that fit your mouth perfectly.

Is Invisalign Painful?

Invisalign does not hurt. Patients may notice some pressure when first putting the aligners in, but this soon fades. Invisalign is one of the most comfortable ways to straighten teeth.

Other way for patients to be more comfortable is to wear their aligners as much as possible. Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can keep them on while they sleep. This can help prevent teeth from shifting and wearing down.

How Long Will Invisalign Take?

Most patients need about 12 months to complete Invisalign treatment. Your timeline will depend on your unique situation. Your dentist will make a recommendation and tell you how much time you will need to achieve your goals.

Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom aligners to gently and gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, and your teeth will gradually move closer to their final position as you progress through treatment.

Are Invisalign Braces Easy to Clean?

Invisalign braces can be removed for easy cleaning. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can take them out to brush and floss their teeth. Patients can also simply rinse their aligners with water if they like. This makes Invisalign braces much easier to clean than metal braces.

Invisalign aligners must be cleaned each day to avoid buildup of plaque and food particles. If not, the aligners may become discolored, which detracts from their appearance.