All About Invisalign: How does Invisalign Work?

I’m sure that you’ve heard of Invisalign before. But you may have never considered it because it’s fairly new. All you know is that it’s an alternative to traditional metal braces, but that’s it.

While most people still wear traditional braces, you may not have noticed other people wearing Invisalign aligners. That’s because they’re clear– so you can’t really see them. In fact, it has become increasingly popular over the last decade. And, that’s because of the number of benefits it does to your teeth.

In this article, we’ll talk about what Invisalign really is and how Invisalign works.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign, just like traditional braces, is a teeth-straightening procedure performed by orthodontists. It has become a recently popular alternative to traditional braces because it’s almost invisible to the naked eye.

Invisalign is made out of medical-grade thermoplastic that’s clear. This thermoplastic is called an aligner. The aligners are removable, and it’s also smooth enough to not cause any discomfort while you’re wearing it.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign has become an increasingly popular choice for a lot of people. This is because of the comfort and convenience it gives. However, keep in mind that Invisalign can only treat mild orthodontic issues.

Invisalign provides more comfort.

In contrast to traditional braces, clear aligners provide greater accuracy in regulating teeth alignment. The aligners worn during the treatment move your teeth horizontally, vertically, and rotationally until each tooth is accurately positioned. The timing of these movements is carefully planned to ensure the most comfortable sequence possible.

You’ll have fewer dental visits.

Invisalign treatment requires less frequent and shorter dental appointments. You will need to visit the dentist every four to six weeks, but you can switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.

Since the aligners are already custom-designed and manufactured, there is no need for any additional dental work to be done to straighten your teeth. These features make Invisalign treatment more convenient and comfortable for patients.

Invisalign ensures better oral health than traditional braces.

In contrast to traditional braces, clear aligners do not have brackets that can trap food and plaque, making it difficult to clean properly. Failure to clean traditional braces appropriately can result in gum disease and tooth decay. Moreover, Invisalign is removable and can be removed from time to time.

What is the step-by-step process of Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment is shorter than the regular braces treatment. It’s also less painful compared to traditional braces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when getting your Invisalign treatment.

Consultation

Invisalign can only correct minor orthodontic concerns. During your initial visit, the orthodontist will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Treatment Plan

If clear aligners are determined to be a suitable option for you, more information will be requested, and trays will be produced. Dental X-rays and photographs of your face and smile will be taken as a starting point. The iTero Element Scanner will then generate a 3D model of your mouth by scanning your teeth, replacing the need for traditional messy impression materials.

Invisalign Placement

In approximately two weeks, your clear aligners will be delivered to your orthodontic clinic, and you will have your initial placement appointment when they arrive. Depending on the progress of your treatment, it may be necessary to adjust some of your teeth.

Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to correctly insert and remove the aligners, which may require some practice. Your orthodontist will also educate you on how to maintain the aligners and provide you with additional trays.

Invisalign Appointments

During your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will conduct periodic check-ins at our clinic to monitor your progress. At times, it may be necessary to revert to a previous set of trays, or your orthodontist may need to make minor adjustments such as modifying certain “buttons.”

Final Corrections and Refinements

After finishing all of your initial trays, you may need to undergo refinement. This is necessary because some modifications may still be required to achieve optimal results. Typically, the need for refinement arises because certain teeth require additional corrective movements during the Invisalign treatment, which is difficult to predict in the beginning.

Usually, one to two refinements are adequate. To create your refining aligners, your orthodontist will take a new 3D image of your teeth. Then, the process repeats until you have achieved the desired teeth placement.

How long do I have to wear my Invisalign in a day?

You must wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. And after every 1 to 2 weeks, you will need to replace them with a new set– given by your orthodontist. After the treatment, you’ll still need to wear retainers to maintain the positioning of the teeth. You don’t need to wear it for the whole day, at this point in time.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The duration of your Invisalign treatment will be determined by the number of orthodontic issues you have. Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may have one or more orthodontic issues, such as gaps between teeth, overcrowding, etc.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering getting braces and searching for a reliable provider of Invisalign in Washinton, DC, look no further than Kumra Orthodontics. They are one of the leading orthodontic clinics in Washington, DC and have earned 15 years of good reputation that will surely not disappoint. Whether you’re an adult or a child, Kumra Orthodontics can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a beautiful new smile.

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