Many patients feel excited about the prospect of wearing Invisalign® aligners to help straighten teeth and improve their smile. However, some also feel trepidation at the thought of wearing them, particularly due to worries about pain and the unfamiliarity of the procedure. The following explains what this treatment is, what to expect when wearing these aligners and how the procedure works.
This treatment uses a series of customized plastic aligners to help gradually straighten a patient’s teeth. Patients use each aligner for two weeks before switching to the next one until the teeth are in the proper position. These work similarly to braces, except the devices are removable and are clear. The course of treatment varies and depends on the correction needed. The average time is around a year, but this can be shorter or longer.
Invisalign® aligners are extremely effective and work quickly due to the frequent adjustments, which are much more often than traditional braces. The treatment is discreet and does not affect speech ability. The aligners are a great option for those who have mild to moderate crowding of the teeth and for those who have had an issue with teeth shifting after having previously worn braces.
An impression of the patient’s teeth is taken and uploaded on a computer program. The program creates a three-dimensional model of the teeth and maps out a specialized treatment plan with the series of aligners that are needed to achieve a straight smile. The devices are created to perfectly mold to the teeth and are shaped to go around the gums to avoid any irritation or inflammation.
While the aligners can cause some mild discomfort, especially when a new one is placed, the uncomfortable feeling is temporary. Teeth usually feel sore during the adjustment period as they are shifting to the proper places. Over-the-counter pain medications are effective at handling any soreness. Invisalign® is often more comfortable to wear than traditional braces as there are no wires and brackets to potentially cause gum and mouth irritation.
How often do the aligners need to be worn?
The aligners need to be worn around 20 to 22 hours a day to ensure they are able to work. The only time they should be removed is before eating and drinking. Teeth should be brushed before the aligners are put back in. They can also be taken out temporarily for special occasions, but it is important for them to be worn most of the day to achieve the proper results.
Invisalign® is a treatment option similar to braces that is used to straighten teeth. These plastic aligners, created and customized through a special 3D computer program, are clear and removable. They do not hurt but are usually only slightly uncomfortable when sets are changed out due to the teeth shifting. For many people this is a convenient option to get that desired smile easily and quickly.
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