Are you self-conscious about your smile but don’t like the look of metal braces? You may be a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners. This corrective treatment is ideal for those wanting straight, healthy teeth without wires or brackets.
Continue reading to learn about what Invisalign is, how it works, oral care suggestions, and more.
Invisalign clear aligners are the nearly invisible, removable alternative to or metal braces. Those who choose this type of cosmetic dental treatment receive several sets of custom-fitted top and bottom aligners. These are worn in stages to promote the gradual movement of teeth.
Invisalign aligners:
There are several factors that determine whether you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Generally, our dentists recommend that teens or adults pursue Invisalign.
Mild or moderately crowded teeth with minor bite issues are ideally treated with Invisalign clear aligners. Yet, our dentists can examine your mouth to devise a plan tailored to you.
You may not be a candidate for Invisalign if you have:
Please consult with our Grandville, MI, cosmetic dentists to discuss if Invisalign is an option for you down the road.
Invisalign carefully applies controlled forces to teeth so that they move into a better position. This is much like traditional braces.
Before aligners are created, however, a plan is designed for you using a specialized computer software. Your plan will consist of several stages and within each stage, there will be a set of aligners for you to wear.
are to be worn for 2 weeks at a time and should stay on for 20-22 hours each day. You will need to progress through each provided set until treatment is complete.
When it comes to wearing your clear aligners each day, you will need to wear them for at least 20-22 hours. This will allow your teeth to gradually shift into place while still permitting you the freedom to remove them and enjoy meals.
Invisalign clear aligners are removable so it is even easier to practice good oral hygiene while wearing them.
Throughout treatment, you will need to stay on top of your oral care to ensure the clear aligners do not become stained or trap bacteria. We recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal or snack to remove food particles and plaque.
Be sure to also clean the aligners regularly by gently brushing them and rinsing them with lukewarm water.
Each patient is different so result times will vary but on average, individuals can see noticeable results in as little as 12-18 months.
If you are also correcting a minor bite issue, your Invisalign treatment may take longer. Again, the timeline is dependent on your specific situation.
Interested in straightening your smile? Our , would be more than happy to discuss Invisalign clear braces with you. Contact us online to schedule an appointment with us or call Grandville Dental Health Center today at (616) 531-0360.