You can tell a lot about someone from their smile. Unfortunately, too many people are unhappy with theirs. Over the years, advanced solutions have been developed to restore your smile. The most recent and most ground-breaking is Invisalign.
Tooth alignment can be very inconvenient for youngsters. The most challenging thing to deal with is not how long you have to wear them or the discomfort they give you. It’s the fact that they (temporarily) ruin your smile, an essential part of a young person’s life.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a cutting-edge product that serves the same purpose as traditional aligners but is virtually invisible. With this new product, you maintain your smile as you continue with the dental therapy to improve your smile. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it?
Invisalign is at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry technology. It’s a nearly invisible method of straightening your teeth and is currently used by many dentists in their orthodontic care. The removable aligners are see-through and are specifically crafted to fit your teeth.
Like normal aligners, Invisalign aligners gradually cause your teeth to shift their position. Every two weeks, you change your Invisalign for a new set. This change is required to ensure your teeth shift smoothly into place. Over the course of the treatment, your teeth straighten into their proper positions as prescribed by your dentist.
What is the best age?
When it comes to orthodontic care, any age group can benefit from aligners. But the ideal age for placement of Invisalign is anywhere between 9 and 14 years of age. This is because at this age most people have developed permanent teeth.
Interestingly, this is the same age bracket when we are most self-conscious about our looks. With Invisalign, an individual can confidently laugh and smile through their teenage years. This goes a long way in modelling the self-esteem and character of a young person. Teenagers love these clear braces because most people don’t even know they are wearing them. There is no need to be self-conscious while talking, smiling and laughing
Now you must be wondering, is Invisalign the best treatment plan for you? After a visit to the dentist, you will be informed if your teeth need repositioning. If that is the case, perhaps Invisalign might be the option for you. This new technology is a suitable replacement for metal braces.
It can be used to treat orthodontic issues from the mildly crooked teeth to severely misaligned jaws. Patients with misaligned, protruding, crowded, or widely-spaced teeth can all benefit from its use. The procedure before starting this treatment is quite easy. After an initial consultation with your dentist or orthodontist, a 3D digital image of your teeth will be produced.
Some dentists still prefer to use a physical imprint. From this 3D image, a set of custom aligners specific to your teeth will be made. The image also provides a blueprint for a computerised estimate of how your teeth will look once the treatment plan is complete. This gives a realistic expectation of the outcome. The last step is fitting your Invisalign aligners.
Invisalign offers you a more subtle and hastier means of correcting both aesthetic and orthodontic concerns. The general treatment plan can take between 9-18 months, but on average most patients finish their treatment plan within twelve months and achieve satisfactory results.
A patient may use anywhere from 12 to 36 different sets of aligners depending on their progress. A visit to the dentist or orthodontist is required every 4-6 weeks to do a follow up on the treatment. Each aligner is worn for two weeks. The beauty of Invisalign is that it can be taken out to eat, brush your teeth and floss. The placements don’t stand in the way of your daily routine.
Now that you are thinking of getting Invisalign aligners, it’s time to explore the do’s and don’ts of this new treatment options. You have probably seen the little sign at your dentist’s office that says,” You don’t have to brush all your teeth – only the ones you want to keep.”
Orthodontists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal and before going to bed. This still holds true for patients using Invisalign. Just remove your aligner and brush your teeth. Cleaning your Invisalign is equally as easy. Invisalign sells a unique cleaning system that uses crystals to remove plaque from aligners. This is the best option.
However, one can also brush aligners with other solutions like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. It is recommended you wear your aligner for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Do not remove your aligners for anything other than eating, brushing and flossing. Invisalign tends to leave your mouth dry so it is recommended you drink water frequently. Smoking and chewing gum are highly discouraged while wearing the aligners.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to traditional braces. Depending on who is doing your treatment, the price may be slightly higher. Clearly, when it comes to Invisalign the benefits outweigh the costs. The duration of treatment is shorter, the inconvenience from having the aligners is minimised, and the confidence while wearing the Invisalign is increased. Traditional aligners are obsolete in the face of Invisalign.
Because Invisalign is relatively new, many may find it difficult to find a skilled Invisalign provider for themselves or their children. However, many orthodontists have been trained in this technology, and there are even special certifications available for orthodontists that show that they have been properly trained and are great choices for you or your teenager seeking orthodontic treatment.
You may be wondering whether the technology is known and practised by orthodontists exclusively. Fortunately, dentists are also trained in the same technology and can deliver professional service to their patients. Invisalign is the future of orthodontic care. This revolutionary technology is slowly becoming accepted as a replacement for traditional metal aligners. Keep smiling with Invisalign.
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