What to Know Before Getting Invisalign

You may be curious about Invisalign® clear aligners for straightening teeth. This treatment is becoming more and more common, especially among adults. If you are considering this approach instead of traditional metal braces, you should first understand how they work. These aligners have benefits and advantages that braces cannot match. You can speak with your dentist about whether you are a good candidate.

When Invisalign may make sense

Not everyone has issues with misaligned teeth and bite dysfunctions. But people who struggle with their smile may want to think seriously about clear aligners. This treatment may be a smart idea over braces for people who want an invisible solution. It is also a good alternative for patients with mildly or moderately crooked teeth. Aligners could be the right choice for adults who never had the chance to have braces earlier in life.

Clear aligners do not work in all situations

Prospective Invisalign wearers should know that the aligners do not work effectively for every condition. People with dental implants or bridges cannot wear the trays. Also, the aligners are not as good about fixing severe issues or at repairing badly misshaped teeth. A patient with large gaps in the mouth may also not be a candidate to wear the clear trays.

The aligners are removable

Invisalign is a popular treatment for many reasons. Aside from being virtually invisible, they are removable. Patients do not have to wear them 24 hours a day. In fact, the dentist will advise the patient to remove the trays a few times throughout the day. People with aligners should take them out to eat and periodically to rinse them off and clean them. Aligners should stay in the person’s mouth for 21 to 22 hours a day.

Patients get new aligners often

People with braces will go to the office for adjustments every four to six weeks. Visits to the dentist are usually more frequent for Invisalign wearers. At these appointments, the patient will get a new set of trays. These will fit nicely over the teeth and continue to apply pressure to move them. At the beginning of the treatment, the dentist will take X-rays and make impressions of the mouth to ensure that the first trays fit properly.

The treatment length is not as long

Though every patient’s situation and needs are different, most people will not have to wear Invisalign as long as braces. The average patient has braces for two to three years. Aligners can start to move teeth into the right spots in as few as six months. Usually, patients can stop wearing the trays after 12 to 18 months. At this time, the individual will have straight teeth and an improved smile.

See the difference

Invisalign clear aligners can produce the smile you have always wanted. Review these important factors so that you can decide whether wearing them makes sense to you. Talk to your dentist today about starting your treatment. You can enjoy a shorter treatment period and a more comfortable appliance by choosing this option.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Miami, FL.