Invisalign - Removing The Need For Painful Metal Braces

Invisalign technology allows you to straighten your teeth without the use of painful metal brackets or wires like traditional braces.

How it Works
Invisalign technology allows you to straighten your teeth without the use of metal brackets or wires like traditional braces. The aligners you will use are a custom-made series of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that are worn over your teeth. By using these aligners you are able to gently shift your teeth into place, at a rate determined by your dentist or orthodontist. Generally, you change your aligners every two weeks.

Treatment Process
The first step in the treatment process is to speak to an Invisalign provider. Not all dentists and orthodontists are trained in the use of Invisalign technology, so it is important to speak to your provider to ensure that they are trained with this technology. Choosing the right provider is a very important part of this process, because you will be working with this doctor until your treatment is complete. Meeting with a few different providers to find the best one for you will allow you to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. Once you decide upon a provider, you will meet with them and they will determine if Invisalign is the best treatment option for you.

Once you have chosen a provider and they have determined that Invisalign is the best method of treatment for you they will start the treatment process. First, they will take x-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth. With this they will use 3-D imaging technology to map out your current dental structure, and plan a course of aligners for you. The use of the 3-D imaging will also provide you with images of what your teeth structure will look like after each set of aligners is used. This way you will be able to see your progress before it has even begun.

Your doctor will provide you with a series of custom aligners. These aligners will remain on your teeth with the exception of when you are eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing. By wearing these aligners all day, your teeth will gently shift into place. However, because they are made with a soft and smooth plastic, your gums and cheeks will not become irritated as they would with standard metal braces. This means that your transition to perfect teeth will be gentle and comfortable. The best part is, since the plastic is clear and smooth, most people will not even know you are straightening your teeth.

The Invisalign process does take time. On average, and adult will wear the aligners for approximately one year. The aligners are to be worn for 20-22 hours per day and changed every two weeks. You will meet with your doctor on average about every six weeks to check your progress.

Treatable Cases
The use of Invisalign has a 96% satisfaction rate. The use of Precision Cuts allows for the use of elastics which means that Invisalign can now help even more severe cases of dental issues. Invisalign can treat a variety of cases, which will not only allow you to have a more beautiful and confident smile, but it will also help prevent future health issues.

Spaced teeth: This is an abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone, or when teeth are missing. The extra space allows teeth to shift which can cause spacing issues. If left untreated, spacing issues can lead to gum problems, periodontal pockets, and an increased risk of periodontal disease.

Overly crowded teeth: This occurs when there is not enough space in your mouth for your teeth. If left untreated crowding can become worse over time. This can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and increased chance of gum disease.

Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. If left untreated, a cross bite can cause abnormal tooth wear, chipping, gum disease, and bone loss.

Underbite: An under bite occurs when the lower teeth protrude beyond the front teeth. This is caused by the under growth of the upper jaw, over growth of the lower jaw, both, or if upper teeth are missing. An underbite prevents the normal function of the front teeth or molars. This can lead to abnormal tooth wear and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Overbite: This occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. This can be caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or the over development of the bone that supports the teeth. An overbite can lead to gum disease or fractured front teeth.

Invisalign is a great technological breakthrough in dental technology. You can get amazing results without the pain associated with metal brackets and wires in traditional braces. Enjoy the foods you love, the sports you enjoy, and see changes and progress every two weeks, all while nobody else notices your use of Invisalign aligners.

Resources:
Prior Cosmetic and Family Dentistry has been helping patients achieve happy smiles for more than 30 years. If you are looking for an Invisalign dentist in Clearwater, FL., Dr. Prior specializes in helping patients understand their dental needs in clear and easy to understand ways.