Valuable insights on Invisalign treatment by Dr. James L. Berkeypile

Teeth imperfections like misalignments can greatly affect how you look and feel about your smile. Even worse, they can cause bite problems and encourage plaque buildup, putting you at a greater risk of oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay. That’s why Invisalign comes in.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic treatment used to correct teeth misalignments and other bite problems. The treatment uses a system of thin, clear, or transparent aligner trays made from a thermoplastic material known as Smart Track. Their transparent nature and perfect fit against the teeth make them virtually invisible from a distance.

How does Invisalign Work?

Unlike fixed traditional braces, Invisalign aligners go over the teeth, and you can remove them as necessary. You should remove them when eating, drinking, brushing, or during special occasions. However, you must wear them for at least 20-22 hours daily for effective results.

You should wear a new pair of Invisalign aligners every two weeks throughout the treatment. Each pair of aligners push your teeth closer to the desired location. On their website, Invisalign manufacturers claim that Invisalign is effective for various bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, teeth gaps, and overcrowding. Visit our dentist for dental services near you.

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign offer numerous benefits, including:

• Virtually invisible. The perfect fit and transparent nature of Invisalign aligners make them less noticeable than traditional braces.
• Improved appearance and self-confidence: Invisalign treatment helps align your teeth, giving you a straighter, more beautiful, confident smile.
• Quick results. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign shows faster results for mild to moderate misalignments.
• No food restrictions. Since Invisalign is removable, you can eat or drink anything as long as you clean your mouth afterward.
• Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made from a flexible thermoplastic material, making them gentler for your gums and teeth than traditional braces.
• Fewer appointments: Unlike braces requiring frequent adjustments, Invisalign treatment requires lesser checkups, saving time and resources.

Cons of Invisalign

• Not ideal for complex issues: While limited, studies show that Invisalign treatment is less effective for severe or complex bite problems like malocclusions.
• Requires compliance: You must wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours daily and change to a new pair of aligner trays every two weeks. Follow these instructions to ensure your treatment is successful.
• You must remove them when eating: Removing the aligners before eating and drinking can sometimes be inconvenient, i.e., during a business trip or date.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Generally, the length of your treatment will depend on several factors, including:

• The severity of your condition: Mild misalignments will take shorter to correct than moderate to severe misalignments.
• Age: While anyone can get Invisalign at any age, your teeth may realign better and faster if you’re younger. That’s why there many school children with braces than adults.
• Patient compliance: Your dentist will give you a few instructions on how to use Invisalign aligners effectively. Following these instructions will ensure faster and more effective treatment. These instructions can include wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours daily, changing the aligner trays every two weeks, and not eating with the aligners.

In general, the treatment can take 6 – 18 months. Even if you feel and see that you’re teeth have realigned perfectly, do not stop the treatment without your dentist’s or orthodontist’s knowledge.

Do I need a Retainer?

Once the treatment is over and you’ve achieved your desired smile, you’ll still need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. A retainer helps hold the teeth in their new positions as you build enough bone to stabilize the teeth in their new positions. Without the retainer, the teeth will gradually return to their original positions. You may have to wear the retainer daily in the first few months. Afterward, the dentist can recommend wearing them only a few times a week.

Learn more About Invisalign and Smile Perfection.

Are you interested in Invisalign treatment near you? Contact Jersey Smile to book a consultation with our dentist in Berkeley Heights, NJ.