A guide to Invisalign
It is never too late to correct your teeth and make them look perfect. Invisalign is one of the few products that have stood the test of time and still become increasingly popular each year.
Invisalign is a fast new way to move and realign teeth. It performs the exact same way as regular braces, but have the added benefit of being discrete.
Invisalign is based around a series of clear plastic aligners, which are less than one millimetre thick. Unlike ordinary metal track braces, Invisalign braces can be removed for eating.
Time
The length of time of the treatment depends on how much needs to be changed. Treatment can range from 12months to 18 months. Invisalign treatment is still a lot quicker than conventional metal braces, which can take years to realign your teeth. Unlike conventional metal braces, where you might need teeth removed before treatment can be started, Invisalign treatment can begin straight away, with no teeth needing to be removed.
Invisalign process
There are four main parts to the Invisalign process.
- Sit down with your dentist and discuss how you wish your teeth to look at the end of the treatment.
- Your dentist will then take an x-ray of your teeth to create a 3-D model of what your teeth will look like at the end of the treatment.
- Your aligners are then made and fitted.
- Around every 8 weeks you will need to visit your dentist to assess the progress and discuss any follow ups and queries.
Diet
Unlike ordinary metal track braces, Invisalign braces can be removed for eating.
Some patients notice that their eating habits change slightly when changing aligners, with some avoiding hard foods, such as apples, due to soar gums.
Many people believe it is easier to eat while still having your aligners in. This is possible but not advised, as food can get stuck on the aligners and ultimately cause tooth decay. Also as the aligners are made from thin plastic chewing food could damage them causing them to change the shape of the aligners and disrupt your treatment.
The next step to take, once you have considered using Invisalign, is to contact your dentist to arrange a free consultation. Your dentist is the best person to help you find out more about the treatment and how it will help you.