What Does Invisalign Do To Your Teeth?

Initially, traditional braces were the only solution for teeth misalignments. The noticeable appearance of the braces was often, and it’s still a concern among patients who want to correct teeth misalignments secretly. Nowadays, dental experts have come up with more esthetically appealing treatment options like Invisalign.

Invisalign is a type of clear brace that consists of a series of virtually invisible plastic aligners. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit over your teeth comfortably and gradually straighten your teeth. Thanks to their invisible nature, they allow you to straighten your teeth without others knowing about it or feeling self-conscious.

You can remove your Invisalign trays when eating, brushing, or during special occasions like a job interview. Still, make sure you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. Similarly, good oral hygiene is essential to ensure effective treatment and prevent oral issues like bad breath, teeth yellowing, and infections.

What Problems Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign aligners can be used to correct several dental issues, including:

• Overcrowded teeth. Teeth overcrowding often happens when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for teeth to fit properly. Invisalign is a good option to correct this issue.
• Overbites. An overbite happens when the upper teeth close too far in front of the lower teeth. You’re likely to experience bite and chewing problems. Invisalign can help align the teeth properly.
• Underbites. This happens when the lower teeth come in front of the upper teeth. Invisalign can move the lower teeth back to allow them to sit behind the front teeth.
• Openbite. This occurs when the bottom and top teeth don’t meet. Invisalign can move your teeth into the proper position so that they can close properly.
• Crossbites. This happens when some of the upper teeth sit inside the bottom teeth rather than outside.
• Gapped Teeth. Improper teeth gaps can cause food to get stuck in the mouth, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can help close these gaps and create a normal and healthy smile.

It’s worth noting that Invisalign is more effective for some issues than others. For instance, Invisalign might not be effective for correcting severe teeth malocclusions or teeth gaps. Contact our dentist in Manteca, CA, to determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.

How Does Invisalign Work?

If you’re considering Invisalign, you might be wondering what to expect. The procedure entails:

Initial consultation

At the initial consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will examine your mouth to get a better understanding of your condition. After reviewing your medical history, they will discuss more about the treatment, including the benefits, costs, and risks.

Treatment Plan

If you accept to go on with the treatment, your dentist will take x-rays and photographs of your teeth, face, and mouth. This allows the dentist to have a detailed record of your mouth mechanics. This is helpful in planning a customized treatment plan. Next, the dentist will take a mold or impressions of your teeth upon which the Invisalign aligners will be based on. The records are sent to the dental lab to create a series of customized Invisalign aligners.

The Fitting Process

Once the Invisalign is ready, your dentist will invite you to test and fit the aligners. The clear aligners should sit over your teeth snugly without causing any discomfort. However, it’s normal to experience a bit of discomfort and sensitivity in the first few days. You should use a new pair of aligners every two weeks. Visit a dentist near you or notify your dentist if you feel any severe pain or discomfort in your initial days.

Invisalign Treatment

Keep in mind that you should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. This leaves you with a 2 to 4 hours window to remove your aligners when eating, brushing, or on special occasions. Make sure you brush and floss before wearing the aligners back. The dentist will also schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress. Based on the complexity of your condition, the treatment should take between 6 to 18 months.

Retainer

After your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a customized retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Are you looking for Invisalign treatment in Manteca? Contact Valley View Dental – Manteca to book your appointment today.