Invisalign
Want a straight smile but not a fan of metal braces? Invisalign offers a solution to this.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of custom, plastic aligners that move the teeth to their proper position. Unlike traditional braces, they don’t come with metal wires and brackets. The aligners are virtually invisible, which makes them ideal if you’re looking for a discreet procedure.
How does Invisalign work?
The first step is a smile assessment to find out if Invisalign is the right treatment choice for your needs and goals. We discuss your oral health concerns and specific preferences.
Once we determine if Invisalign can satisfy our target results, we capture 3D images of your mouth using an intraoral scanner to map out a detailed treatment plan for your desired smile.
Through these images, we can show you how your teeth will look at every stage of your treatment. These images also serve as a model for your custom aligners.
The plastic material used for Invisalign aligners is BPA-free and non-irritating. Once they’re ready, we schedule you in for a fitting. We make sure that your aligners fit right before we begin your transformation.
Usually, you need to wear each aligner for at least 22 hours a day. Then, after about two weeks, you move forward to the next set of aligners. Each aligner continues on the progress where the las one left off.
The aligners are designed to control the force and timing needed to move the teeth. Depending on the condition of your teeth, we may need extra to apply extra force and that’s where the attachments come in.
Attachments are little tooth-colored dots that are attached to the teeth. They serve as an anchor for the aligners while moving the teeth to their desired position.
Not everyone needs attachments. We let you know at the start of your treatment whether you need them.
What issues can Invisalign solve?
Invisalign can fix a wide range of orthodontic or teeth misalignment issues. Here are some dental imperfections that it can address:
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite - when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth
- Underbite - when the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth
- Open bite - when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping or twisted teeth
Both teens and adults can use Invisalign. Through a comprehensive exam, we determine how severe or complex the issue is and if Invisalign can address it.
How long does the Invisalign process take?
It can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to straighten the teeth using Invisalign. The duration varies depending on the severity of the issue and your commitment to the treatment process.
Every mouth is different and so is every journey to a new smile. To see results as planned, it’s crucial to use your aligners as advised by your dentist.
You can remove your trays before eating or brushing, which is one of its key advantages, but you must put them back on afterward and care for them when not in use.
Learn more about getting Invisalign
The new smile you desire may not need metal braces to achieve.
Contact Wildwood Dental today at
We're excited to help you be on your way to a healthier, more confident smile.