Invisalign is one of several choices in cosmetic dentistry for those seeking straight and healthy teeth without the need for veneers or fixed appliances. Teeth alignment is a difficult process, and Invisalign offers many benefits to patients who are looking to improve their smiles. When Invisalign was first introduced, it only covered minor teeth misalignment. The goal of the process then was to provide a way for those with minor misalignment issues to get their teeth straightened without taking away their freedom to eat certain foods or speak normally. Invisalign has evolved to cover a wider range of dental concerns and there are now over 30 different types of Invisalign brace options.
Depending on the level of tooth misalignment that is causing the problem, an Invisalign aligner can be custom made to fit each patient. An orthodontist or dentist can design a system for you that will not only straighten your teeth but make them appear as though they are symmetrical. By wearing the aligners over the course of a single day, they are most effective if worn for more than 20 hours each day. For teens and busy adults, Invisalign braces are specially designed to be worn under a regular watch for optimal benefits.
Because Invisalign is made from a clear material, there are no visible braces and no removal of teeth or gum disease or infection. They are also virtually invisible, and patients do not have to worry about anyone else noticing the metal bands that are encircling the teeth. If they are worn properly, the wearer can expect to see results from the aligners in as little as two months.
An important feature of Invisalign is the fact that it is designed to eliminate the need for toothbrush maintenance. It is recommended that patients use their aligners for at least two hours every morning and night, although longer brushing times will be required for people who suffer from a special sensitivity to metal. Invisalign does require removal of the aligners at night, so it is important to remember to follow the proper procedures for removing the braces. Some methods include the use of over-the-counter products that remove the metal from the teeth, or the simple process of placing a small plaque scraper on top of the aligners and lifting them off with a slight bend of the jaw.
A further feature of Invisalign is that it is completely safe to wear, even when using liquids to clean the brackets, wires, or aligners. The liquid typically used to clean Invisalign is silicone-based, which is nontoxic and designed to bond with and permeate the metal parts of the Invisalign aligners. Once the liquid has been applied to the metal parts, it will be difficult for any other liquids to eat through the metal, as well as to stick to the braces. The process is also safe when using toothbrushes to brush the brackets or wires.
Another feature of Invisalign that makes the treatment easy to maintain is the fact that it requires little maintenance after the braces have been installed. Each set of aligners will require a new set of aligners to be removed at the beginning and end of the day. This is because each set of wires is connected to brackets, and a new bracket will be needed if the wires or brackets need to be replaced. Invisalign can be removed from the mouth without causing discomfort to the patient, although it is recommended that it is kept in the mouth by wearing a small piece of rubber, such as a bandage, around the metal frame of the mouth. These rubber bands can be removed before bedtime and replaced with a new one that is similar to the color of the bands, allowing Invisalign to be worn during the night without discomfort.