Invisalign is a revolutionary form of orthodontic treatment made to help correct misaligned teeth. While there are many types of invisible braces on the market, we put our trust in Invisalign thanks to years of successful results. We have had many patients ask us, “How does Invisalign work?” This blog will answer that question and many more that you have about Invisalign.
Invisalign works thanks to a combination of clear aligner trays and composite buttons. They apply pressure at precise locations to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. While Invisalign and braces both have their pros and cons, Invisalign is the best choice for adults who want to discreetly improve their smiles.
The amount of time it takes to see results can vary. However, most patients begin to notice a difference anywhere between 6 to 18 months. At My Family Dentistry, we stand by Invisalign thanks to the countless smiles that we’ve seen improved by their product.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your journey to straighter teeth begins with a consultation. Not everyone will qualify for Invisalign, so it’s essential to have an exam beforehand to see if you’re a good candidate.
This exam includes:
- X-rays of your mouth
- Dental impressions
- Digital 3-D images of your mouth
- Digital Photography
Once your exam is complete and you’ve been approved, we create a series of clear plastic aligners. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them ideal for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as gapped teeth and bite issues (malocclusion).
The secret to each set of aligners is the composite Invisalign buttons that are affixed to your teeth and removed after treatment. These composite buttons help to move your teeth into the correct position by applying pressure to specific points. Invisalign treatment also helps improve your oral health by reducing wear and tear on teeth due to uneven pressure.
Click here to read our ultimate guide to Invisalign!
Invisalign vs Braces
When choosing orthodontic treatment, your options are likely to come down to teeth straightening aligners and traditional metal braces. You will still want to weigh the pros and cons of both even if you qualify for Invisalign. Talk to Dr. Austin Owen to narrow down which treatment option is best for your particular case.
Invisalign and braces work similarly, using orthodontic tools to straighten your teeth and move them into the correct position. However, they do this in different ways. As we’ve already seen, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays and composite buttons to apply pressure to the right spots. This ensures that you get a perfect smile without drawing any unwanted attention.
Braces, on the other hand, require a lot more hardware to help you get the smile of your dreams. They straighten your teeth using equipment such as:
- Brackets
- Orthodontic bands
- Spacers
- Archwires
- A buccal tube
- Ligatures
Making a Decision
While braces and Invisalign both have their benefits and drawbacks, Invisalign is the clear winner if you qualify. It’s the perfect option if you are looking to:
- Effectively correct misaligned teeth
- Make it easier to brush and floss
- Have healthier gums
- Straighten your teeth discreetly
With Invisalign, you don’t need a lot of metal wires and brackets to get straighter teeth. Instead, these clear aligners simply go over your teeth to straighten them without the need for retightening. Being able to take them off easily also makes it easier to brush your teeth as well as keep your gums healthy.
However, the biggest benefit of Invisalign is how discreet they are. Unlike traditional metal braces, these trays go on clear and are virtually invisible. This makes them ideal for adults who want straighter teeth without headgear.
For more on Invisalign vs braces, click here!
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The treatment time for Invisalign can vary depending on how consistent you are. With consistent wear, you should begin to see results in 6 to 18 months without the tightening that comes along with traditional metal braces. The end result is the smile that you deserve and can’t wait to show off.
Wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day is essential for getting the most out of your treatment plan. This can take some planning since you still need to take them out to eat and drink, as well as to brush and floss. While this may place added responsibilities on you, the results far outweigh the extra time it takes to get the most out of your Invisalign clear aligner trays.
Invisalign in Powell, TN
My Family Dentistry is your one-stop shop for Invisalign in Powell, TN, and the surrounding Knoxville area. Dr. Owen works with qualified patients to plan a series of invisible aligner trays customized for your teeth. Combined with the composite buttons, they gradually straighten your teeth over time and move them into the proper position.
Every couple of weeks you will receive a new pair of aligners to wear. Cleaning is easy as well — all you have to do is brush them with your toothbrush and antibacterial soap then rinse them so they stay as clean as possible.
Are you ready to start with Invisalign in Powell, TN? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Invisalign combines clear aligner trays and composite buttons to provide you with a straighter smile. They put pressure on specific locations of your teeth to gradually move them to the right position. Although they perform the same function, Invisalign is the clear winner over braces thanks to their ease of use and being virtually invisible.
Times can vary to see results. However, many of our patients start to see a difference anywhere between 6 to 18 months. At My Family Dentistry, Invisalign is our go-to aligner trays thanks to all the smiles we’ve seen improved by their product.
My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.