How Do Invisible Aligners Work to Straighten Teeth?
If you have misaligned or crowded teeth, braces might not be the only option for improving your smile. Clear aligners such as Invisalign® can be a more discreet and comfortable alternative for straightening your teeth without anyone having to know about it.
Invisalign treatment can correct most of the same alignment issues as braces, with some limitations. Read more about how clear aligners work below, or contact our dentists in Mosman to schedule an Invisalign consultation today.
How does teeth straightening work with Invisalign®?
‘Invisible’ aligners are made from a transparent plastic and moulded to fit over your teeth, similar to a mouthguard. Like braces, aligners work by applying gentle pressure to your teeth. This causes them to shift position into better alignment over time. However, there are some differences.
While braces are fixed in the mouth and adjusted by your dentist, Invisalign aligners are worn for a few weeks before being replaced with a new set. Each set of aligners is custom designed to be slightly different from the last and may target specific teeth each time, rather than all of your teeth.
How long does it take to straighten teeth?
Invisalign treatment takes 6 months to 2 years on average, but it can take anywhere from several months to a few years. This depends on how much straightening is needed and whether you wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day, only taking them out when you need to eat and clean your teeth.
You’ll attend regular appointments with your dentist over the course of your treatment to check your progress and provide your next few sets of clear aligners. Once you’ve achieved your desired smile, you may need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Am I suitable for Invisalign treatment?
Most minor to moderate orthodontic issues can be corrected with Invisalign, and some more complex conditions may also be treated by a skilled dentist. Conditions that can be treated include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Crowding
- Rotated teeth
- Gaps between teeth
To be a candidate for Invisalign, you should have healthy teeth and gums and a strong jaw. If you have an oral health problem such as tooth decay or gum disease, this will need to be treated first.
You may not be suitable for Invisalign if you have more severe misalignment or a number of missing or replaced teeth.
What are the alternatives?
If you’re not eligible for clear aligners, or you want to know about other treatments, your dentist might suggest alternatives such as:
- Traditional braces to correct a more complex orthodontic issue
- Dental crowns or veneers to correct minor misalignment or gaps
Book an Invisalign consultation in Mosman
If you want to know more about Invisalign and other clear aligners and whether they’re an option for you, get in touch with our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental today. Call us on (02) 9969 8610 or contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced Invisalign providers.
Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device. Always read the label and follow and instructions for use from your dentist.