Have you always dreamed of having straighter teeth?
We all know that a beautiful smile radiates confidence and health. But for many adults, traditional metal braces just aren’t a desirable option. Well, good news — orthodontics isn’t just for kids!
Until recently, orthodontic options were limited to traditional braces, which tend to be bulky. Thankfully, due to some amazing advancements in the field of modern orthodontics, there is now a range of options when it comes to straightening a smile. While there are a few options for adults, Invisalign is one of the most discreet alignment systems. It’s almost completely invisible, and perhaps best of all, comfortable and easy to wear.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign makes use of a series of custom-made, clear aligners. Made of plastic, the aligners are removable and designed to straighten misaligned teeth by exerting pressure and moving teeth into a new position, gradually over time. Each aligner causes a small amount of movement, and the aligners are changed every two weeks until the treatment is complete. In most cases, small tooth-coloured attachments are fastened to the teeth to increase the predictability of the tooth movements with the aligners.
What are the benefits?
There are a number of benefits to opting for Invisalign. The aligners are almost completely invisible, and because they don’t contain any metal brackets and wires, are much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. They are also removable, so you can take them out during meals, and best of all, you can eat and drink whatever you like! You can also brush and floss as normal, allowing you to stick to your normal oral hygiene regime throughout the treatment.
How does the treatment work?
The treatment starts with the use of an iTero intraoral scanner, which takes a series of images of your teeth. A computer-generated virtual image of your teeth and bite is created, which allows us to have a completely customised set of aligners produced at an Invisalign laboratory. Your orthodontist will then design a treatment plan based on your needs and expectations.
Once your aligners have been made, you’ll have an appointment in which the aligners are fitted. Your orthodontist will show you how to insert and remove your aligners and share some tips on taking care of them properly. We’ll let you know when to come in for consultations and check-ups throughout your treatment. We then make a set of retainers for you, which will help to retain the results of your straightening treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
The duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition. Your orthodontist will advise you of the best treatment plan for your particular needs, but in most cases, the treatment takes around twelve months. It’s also very important that you stick to your orthodontist’s instructions and wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day.
Why is it important to straighten your smile?
As an adult, you might feel like it’s too late to align your smile, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to modern technology, adult orthodontic treatments are completely doable. While a beautiful smile has aesthetic benefits, it’s also so important in helping you maintain your oral health. A straight smile is a healthy smile — straight teeth are easier to clean, and they function better than crowded and crooked teeth.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Invisalign, please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation or download our free guide to adult orthodontics.
