How Does Invisalign Work?

Crowded teeth? Overbite? Crossbite? If you have any of these issues, you may be looking for ways to correct your smile. While traditional braces are an option, many people don’t want to wear metal brackets on their teeth. That’s why so many adults are choosing clear aligners – but how does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses clear aligners to move your teeth into a better position. When you follow the regimen, you can see an improvement in your smile. How does Invisalign work to make that happen? We’re going to take a closer look so you can decide if Invisalign is right for you.

How Does Invisalign Work to Improve Your Smile?

Invisalign uses computer-generated molds to realign or correct teeth that are not straight or misaligned. Clear aligners are made from custom-designed molds of your teeth so you don’t have to worry about aligners not fitting properly. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth.

When you decide to go through the Invisalign process, you are given a series of aligners that will gradually work to move your teeth into position by putting gentle pressure on your teeth. You will receive new aligners every few weeks as your treatment progresses. The number of aligners and the length of your treatment will depend on the status of your teeth and what you hope to accomplish. Some people are done with their treatment in a matter of months while other people can take up to a year or more.

How Does the Invisalign Process Work?

If you’re interested in improving your smile and discovering more about Invisalign, you’ll start with a consultation. This visit will include a discussion about how Invisalign treatment works, your goals, approximately how long it would take to achieve those goals, and an estimated cost.

Once you decide to go ahead with the Invisalign treatment, your dental provider will take several X-rays and photographs of your mouth, teeth, and face from different angles. Impressions of your teeth will also be taken so that the aligners can be made.

After the information is gathered and sent out to be processed, your clear aligners will be made and sent to your dental provider. Once they arrive, you’ll schedule your appointment so that you can start wearing your aligners.

Some patients require small composite patches to be applied to each tooth to help the aligners grip each tooth to move them. These patches are made from the same composite materials that fillings are made out of and can easily be removed once the Invisalign process is over. Not all patients need these patches. 

Besides the patches, some patients may also need what’s called interproximal reduction. This simply creates more space between the teeth when the patient’s mouth is too crowded. Small discs are used to sand away some of the enamel to give more space for teeth to move.

Both of these are not always required for all patients, but it’s just good to know what the process could look like if you need these things done.

How Often Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Aligners?

It’s recommended to wear each set of clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your dentist will advise you whether you need to change your aligners every one or two weeks. You remove the aligners when you eat and brush your teeth, but you have to keep them in any other time, including when you sleep. If you don’t wear your aligners when you should, you can expect your treatment time to take longer than it needs.

Throughout the process, you’ll meet with your dentist from time to time so that they can chart your progress and receive new aligners when needed.

How Often Do You Have to Clean Your Aligners?

Every time you take your aligners out during the day, you should rinse them. This will help prevent bacteria from building up and keep the trays from smelling. You should clean the trays thoroughly every morning and night. This will remove bacteria that build up overnight or during the day. If you skip this step, your trays will begin to smell. Use a toothbrush to clean the trays, but without toothpaste.

Are You Thinking About Getting Invisalign?

If you’re thinking that Invisalign could be a good choice for you to improve your smile, contact Mint Leaf Dentistry today. We have helped many people in Morrisville and surrounding areas get the smile they’ve always dreamed about having. Call us today at  919-330-1710 or reach out to us online for more information.