While you may think braces are only for kids, many adults who weren’t able to have them as children get them to improve their smile. But for some adults, braces may seem bulky and distracting. Don’t worry though, because Invisalign takes care of all those concerns. Invisalign is made to straighten your teeth just like braces, but without the metal brackets and wires.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of aligners that are basically invisible and fit perfectly around your teeth. Based on measurements, scans and x-rays taken by your orthodontist, Invisalign aligner trays are designed specifically for you. These clear, plastic trays can allow you to go on with your life like normal without the aesthetic distractions of traditional braces.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowding and spacing. It also helps with certain types of mild malocclusions like overbites and underbites, where your top and bottom teeth don’t meet correctly.
Your orthodontist will determine if Invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment for you. If so, scans of your teeth are sent off to the Invisalign laboratory to create your custom aligners. Your orthodontist will give you the first few aligners to take home once they are ready. These aligners start out molded to fit your teeth but each set changes gradually to force your teeth into the right places.
How Long Does It Take?
After receiving your initial aligners, you will wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist. You will have to come back in for a check-up every 10 to 12 weeks for your orthodontist to monitor your teeth’s progression and give you your next set of aligners.
You will have to wear your aligners most of the day, between 20 and 22 hours, to gain the best and quickest treatment possible. It usually takes around 12 months for adults to complete their Invisalign treatments, but treatment time can range depending on the individual treatment objectives.
What Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Worried about not being able to eat your favorite foods with orthodontic treatments? You don’t have to with Invisalign. Any time you want to eat, you just take your aligners out and you’re good to go. There are no diet restrictions or limitations with Invisalign, which makes it an even more popular choice. Just be sure to put your aligners back in after eating and brushing.
Don’t let your age or life get in the way of having that perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign makes is so much easier and more convenient for you to keep up with your busy lifestyle and straighten out your teeth at the same time. If you think you might be interested, call us at (843) 4-BRACES to schedule a free initial exam to see if Invisalign is the right fit for you!