What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a discreet treatment option that straightens teeth using clear, removable aligners. These aligners can be a great fit for adults because they replace the wires and brackets that traditional braces use. A digital scan is taken of your teeth and aligners are created that are custom-made specifically for you.
Then you simply wear your clear aligners and switch them out for a new set of aligners every two weeks. Each aligner is created to slowly and gradually shift your teeth into the ideal position and achieve your best smile possible. Invisalign has created a system of invisible braces for adults that allows you to straighten your teeth that is hardly noticeable!
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
You may wonder if Invisalign is even an option for you. There is no specific age for orthodontic treatment, and getting straight teeth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and dedicating 20-22 hours per day to wearing your invisible aligners.
Invisalign works for most orthodontic issues, but the plastic appliance is limited in correcting all bites, teeth alignment issues, and crowding. Larger issues like moderate to severe overbites, underbites, crowding and protrusion need more advanced orthodontic care to achieve the best results.
Invisalign is a great solution for:
- Mild to moderate protruding teeth
- Mild overbites
- Mild underbites
- Gaps in teeth
- Mild to moderately overcrowded teeth
- Excessive central tooth overlaps
- Mild to moderate crooked teeth
Every case is different and our doctors will carefully examine your teeth while using the x-ray taken of your teeth and jawbones to recommend the best option. In many cases, Invisalign can actually be a better option!
The best way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Bo, Dr. Baker and Dr. Kenning!
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works the same way that traditional braces do. Small, controlled forces are applied to teeth gradually over time to shift them into the ideal position, but instead of using brackets and a metal wire to shift teeth, flexible aligners are used that are switched out every two weeks.
At your first appointment in our office, you will complete an iTero scan, which utilizes a digital wand that runs over your teeth to create a digital simulation of your entire smile. Then specialized software is used by our doctors to design a treatment plan for how your teeth will move into the best possible alignment.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may get attachments which are small, clear anchors that help hold the aligners in place. Once your treatment plan is created, you will receive multiple sets of aligners that you wear for a minimum of 20 hours a day. You will wear each set of aligners for around 2 weeks and then move on to the next set until your teeth are correctly aligned.
What is the difference between Invisalign for Adults and Invisalign Teen®?
From a clinical standpoint, Invisalign works the same for both teens and adults. The main difference between Invisalign Teen trays and Invisalign for adults is the compliance indicator and the number of trays provided.
Invisalign Teen aligners have small blue dots (compliance indicators) on them that fade away after two weeks. This indicator tells our doctors if the aligners have been worn for the prescribed 20-22 hours a day. Also, due to teens’ more forgetful and active lifestyles with school and sports, six sets of replacement aligners are provided to cover lost or damaged trays and to keep the Invisalign treatment on schedule.
Schedule a Free Consultation to See if Invisalign is Right for You
Whether you are a teen or adult, transforming your smile is life changing and will provide you with so much confidence. Invisalign is the perfect treatment if you are looking for a discrete method to straighten your teeth.
If you’re in the Cary, Apex or Morrisville areas and have questions about clear braces for adults, call our office at 919-234-5593 or schedule a complimentary consultation where we can determine the ideal option to correct any alignment issues.
