Invisalign is a highly effective orthodontic system that can transform your smile in a matter of months. This system creates beautiful results without the disadvantages of braces.
Is Invisalign Effective?
When patients follow the dentist's instructions, the system works as intended. It typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete the treatment. An extensive clinical review published in 2018 found that Invisalign is a viable alternative to traditional braces.
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system creates a series of graduated plastic aligners that shift your teeth into optimal positions over time. These aligners work gently by putting pressure on individual teeth to encourage them to move.
The dentist first takes digital impressions of your mouth using the iTero intraoral scanner. Using these scans, the dentist creates a 3-D digital model of your teeth so you can see the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
The dentist uses 3-D scan data to plan the movement of each tooth, creating an individual strategy that will work for you. The dentist translates these designs into a set of aligners that you will change every one to two weeks to produce tooth movement.
Invisalign prints the aligners from special medical-grade plastic engineered to be durable, comfortable, and stain-resistant. When you receive your aligners, you can start wearing them right away. You will visit the dentist approximately once every six weeks for a checkup.
Benefits of Invisalign
Comfortable
Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It has no sharp parts that can cut into delicate oral tissues, and its sleek, low-profile design fits your teeth precisely.
Discreet
No one needs to know that you are straightening your teeth with Invisalign. Adult and teen patients do not enjoy the extra attention that comes with visible braces, and they appreciate the ability to straighten their teeth in private.
Effective
When worn for 20-22 hours per day, as recommended, Invisalign is as effective as braces. It can correct spacing, alignment, and minor to moderate bite issues.
Better Oral Health
Braces patients can't always keep their teeth as clean as they would like. Wires and brackets make it challenging to brush and floss. Sometimes braces patients' oral health suffers. Invisalign comes out for cleaning, meaning you can easily floss, brush, and remove all plaque and food particles.
No Dietary Restrictions
Invisalign comes out for eating and drinking as well. This feature means no food restrictions as you may experience with braces.
Easy-Clean Aligners
Since the aligners are removable, keeping them clean is a simple process. The easiest way is to use Invisalign's branded cleaning system. You can also clean them with clear, unscented liquid soap and water. Avoid using denture cleaners and abrasive toothpaste.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Most patients who want to straighten their teeth discreetly are excellent candidates for Invisalign. As long as your jaw has finished growing, you can receive the treatment. Patients with missing teeth or severe bite issues may need to choose braces.
Call Smiles on the Upper Westside
If you want to straighten your teeth, we can help. Call or text our office at 212-222-5225 for more information about Invisalign and how we can help you create a beautiful smile.