Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system that makes straightening your teeth more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces. Using a series of clear plastic aligners designed from an impression of your teeth, Invisalign safely and effectively straightens your teeth to improve your oral health and enhance the appearance of your smile. 

Over 8 million people worldwide have straightened their smile with Invisalign, making it a very popular alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments.

How does Invisalign work?

Your aligners are designed to exert a small but consistent pressure on your teeth that gently pushes them toward better alignment. This is the same basic principle on which braces work, but Invisalign accomplishes the task with a tool that’s less abrasive to your oral tissues and much more visually discreet. 

In order for your Invisalign treatment to be effective, you need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours every day. After two weeks of consistent use, you move on to the next set of aligners in your series. Each set of aligners builds on the progress of the set that came before it, so by the time you finish your series of aligners your teeth are perfectly straight. 

For most patients, treatment takes between 12-18 months.

What conditions does Invisalign treat?

Invisalign treats a variety of orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

You can also use Invisalign for more minor cosmetic issues, like straightening teeth that are only slightly askew or making your smile more symmetrical.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign’s system of clear plastic aligners has a number of benefits. Your aligners are removable, so you won't have to worry about finding new ways to keep your teeth clean during your treatment. 

All you have to do is remove your aligners when you brush or floss, then put them back in afterward. And because you can take out your aligners when you eat, you won’t have to change your diet during your treatment.

The smooth and flexible plastic that makes up your aligners is also much more comfortable than the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces, so you won’t have to worry about cuts and scratches on the inside of your mouth. 

They’re also clear, making them virtually invisible when you’re wearing them and saving you the embarrassment of the mouthful-of-metal look that’s unavoidable with metal braces.

To get started on your Invisalign treatment, schedule a visit by phone or online with Orange Coast Dental Specialty today.