Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that enables patients to straighten their teeth using removable aligners rather than traditional braces. A series of transparent, plastic aligners are custom-made for your smile, allowing your teeth to gradually shift over time.

Cases that are treatable using Invisalign include:

• Crowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Gap teeth
• Missing baby and permanent teeth

Invisalign Treatment Process

The treatment process begins with a smile assessment, which includes taking impressions or a scan of your smile to capture a 3D image of your teeth. Then Invisalign software is used to map the movement of each tooth and determine the ideal position of your new smile.

Once your digital plan is complete and approved, customized aligners are produced using Invisalign’s state-of-the-art printing process.

You will be contacted when your aligners are ready for pick-up. During this appointment, your dentist will ensure the first set of aligners fit well and are not causing unnecessary discomfort. You will be instructed to remove your aligners when eating and drinking, and clean your aligners by rinsing and softly brushing them at least once per day.

Invisalign aligners are typically worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next. Each set of aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, meaning they should only be removed from your teeth when you are eating, drinking, flossing or brushing.

Your dentist will schedule regular check-ups to review your progress and supply the next set(s) of aligners. This process will continue until your teeth have moved into the ideal position.

Benefits of Invisalign

Benefits of Invisalign treatment include:

• Aligners are virtually invisible
• Treatment process offers minimal pain and discomfort
• Brush and floss without brackets and wires in the way
• Continue enjoying all your favourite foods and drinks
• Remain active in the sports and activities you enjoy

Essentially, you can maintain your lifestyle while working towards your perfect smile.

Risks & Complications

There are some minor risks and complications associated with Invisalign treatment. The following describes some, but not all of these risks and complications.

While aligners are designed to follow the contours of your teeth, they could potentially irritate your gums, cheeks, tongue and lips. Additionally, you may accidentally bite the inside of your cheeks as you become accustomed to the new position of your teeth.

Some patients experience a dry mouth and bad breath, as the aligners do not allow saliva to spread around your mouth. These complications are easily avoided by drinking water, rinsing your aligners and brushing your teeth twice per day.

Wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day can increase the risk of tooth decay due to your teeth being encased in plastic and isolated from saliva. Drinking water, rinsing your aligners and maintaining your oral hygiene will minimize this risk.

There is a possibility that Invisalign clear aligners will affect your speech. However, patients are typically able to quickly overcome changes in speech. In the rare case, moving teeth can cause teeth to become mobile (loose) due to bone loss and this mobility may be permanent.

Finally, it is crucial to wear aligners consistently and correctly, as noncompliance can cause problems. At a minimum, failing to wear your aligners will slow the progress of your treatment. If you choose to discard them for an extended period of time, your previous progress may relapse or alter the development of your smile.

Contact Bearspaw Dental for more information and to see if Invisalign treatment is right for you.

To learn more about Invisalign, visit their official website.