A smile can light up a room and make anyone’s day better. However, having misaligned teeth might take away from the brightness of that perfect smile. Fortunately, the advent of Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering many benefits over traditional braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner therapy used in orthodontic treatment to straighten and align teeth. It provides an alternative to traditional metal braces and is known for its discreet and nearly invisible appearance. Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made to fit an individual’s teeth.
Many dental practices have embraced the beauty and convenience of Invisalign. If you are looking for places that offer orthodontic treatment, multiple dental clinics provide expert and reliable Invisalign treatment in Shelby. Be sure to check their credentials and reviews to make an informed choice.
How Invisalign Works
- Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a qualified Invisalign provider, typically an orthodontist or dentist. During this consultation, the provider evaluates the patient’s teeth and discusses their goals for treatment.
- Treatment Plan: A customized treatment plan is created based on the evaluation. The provider creates a 3D model of the patient’s teeth using digital impressions, photographs, and X-rays. This model helps design a series of aligners that gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
- Custom Aligners: Using the 3D model, a series of clear plastic aligners are custom-fabricated for the patient. These aligners are made of a comfortable and BPA-free plastic material.
- Wearing the Aligners: The patient wears each set of aligners for approximately 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan. The aligners should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, and they should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
- Progression: As the patient progresses through the series of aligners, each set exerts controlled forces on the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions. Regular check-up appointments with the Invisalign provider are scheduled to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
- Treatment Completion: Once the final set of aligners is completed, the patient’s teeth should be properly aligned according to the treatment plan. However, to maintain the new alignment, a retainer may be recommended, either removable or fixed, depending on the individual case.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Choosing Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment has many attractive benefits that present a significant advantage over traditional metallic braces.
- Virtually Invisible: Invisalign aligners are made of clear, transparent plastic that is nearly invisible when worn. This discreet appearance makes it an attractive option for adults and teens who want to avoid the conspicuousness of traditional metal braces.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. They have smooth edges and lack the wires and brackets associated with traditional braces, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.
- Removable: Invisalign aligners allow you to take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment more straightforward, as there are no dietary restrictions or obstacles to cleaning your teeth.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Unlike traditional braces, which have restrictions on certain foods that can damage or get stuck in the braces, Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you like because you can remove the aligners before meals.
- Predictable Results: Invisalign treatment is carefully planned using digital technology. Before you even begin treatment, your orthodontist can show you a 3D simulation of how your teeth will move and the final results. This level of predictability can be reassuring for patients.
- Fewer Office Visits: Invisalign typically requires fewer in-person appointments than traditional braces. You’ll receive several sets of aligners at once and only need to visit your orthodontist periodically to check your progress.
- Improved Oral Health: Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can maintain better oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your teeth normally, reducing the risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease during treatment.
- No Metal Allergies: Some people are allergic to the metal used in traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are made of a comfortable, BPA-free plastic material, eliminating the risk of metal allergies or sensitivities.
- Less Impact on Lifestyle: Invisalign aligners fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. They don’t interfere with playing musical instruments, participating in sports, or engaging in activities where traditional braces might be a concern.
- Easier Social and Professional Interactions: The discreet appearance of Invisalign aligners allows you to feel more confident in social and professional settings. You won’t be self-conscious about your smile during conversations or presentations.
- Treatment for Various Orthodontic Issues: Invisalign suits many orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Your orthodontist will determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your specific needs.
Other Essential Dental Services
Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies happen when least expected and can cause unprecedented pain and discomfort. The golden rule in any dental emergency is to seek professional help immediately. Your toothache, swollen gums, or chipped tooth might look like a minor issue, but it could be hovering over a more significant problem, such as an infection. Therefore, having a reliable emergency dentist on call for these situations is essential.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, a tooth may need to be removed due to damage or infection. Extraction helps alleviate the pain and prevents the spread of infection. Emergency extractions can be required when a tooth is broken or damaged due to an accident or biting on a hard object. Having a skilled dentist who knows how to handle emergency extractions effectively and with minimal discomfort is essential.
Conclusion
Thanks to technological changes and the demand for better options, orthodontic treatment has come a long way. Invisalign has allowed individuals to straighten their teeth, maintain their smiles throughout the process, and enjoy the orthodontic treatment experience more than they could with traditional braces. Whether you want dental procedures such as Invisalign treatment, handling a dental emergency, or undergoing tooth extractions, always choose a reliable, professional dental care provider.