Most people are unhappy with at least one aspect of their smile and while there are a variety of issues that can create this unhappiness, the most common complaint is crooked or gapped teeth. If either of these reasons is why you aren’t completely happy with your smile, then it’s time to do something about it! Before assuming it is too costly or requires a complicated treatment plan, you’ll want to check out Invisalign. This teeth-straightening system is much simpler than traditional wire braces and nobody will even know you’re wearing them!
Invisalign consists of a series of clear aligners that correct teeth crookedness over a period of time. Each aligner is customized according to the patient’s needs and comfortably fits each and every time. Impressions for Invisalign fortunately no longer require uncomfortable casting, but instead, a 3-D scan is used in order to obtain tooth imaging and is accomplished in a matter of minutes! The imaging is then used to create the aligners and show the patient exactly what they can expect for results.
From there, the images will be used to create the aligners. The number of aligners will depend on the severity of the issue, but most people complete the process in a year.
Patients should expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for the majority of the time. It is recommended only to take them out when brushing and eating. As your teeth start to align, your dentist may adjust how many hours per day you should wear your aligner, but to ensure the quickest and best results, you should wear the aligner for the suggested amount of time.
Invisalign is a great system for straightening teeth and closing gaps, but it is not the right choice for everybody as there are a few more severe orthodontic issues that Invisalign can’t correct. It is also important to remember that this system requires a bit of self-care, so if you are not committed to wearing the trays as recommended, then this system will likely not work for you. A skilled dentist will be able to identify if your current concerns can be corrected by Invisalign.
At the top of everybody’s mind is whether or not the aligners are painful. Since the teeth are being adjusted, there is a bit of discomfort involved.
Because everybody’s case is slightly different, the cost will vary as the amount you pay will correlate with how many aligners you need and how long you will have to wear them. The average price in the United States ranges from $3,500-$6,000 but may be significantly more based on your situation.
Are you interested in changing your smile for the better? We would love to hear from you! Our trained dental team is here to answer your questions and offer additional information about a variety of dental procedures and options, including Invisalign. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Did you know that Invisalign® is responsible for many corrected smiles worldwide? Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment for multiple teeth issues. It is helpful for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. You use it if you have misaligned teeth. The misalignment treated by Invisalign can vary from mild to moderate misalignment. Patients with crossbite, overbite, and underbite can benefit from Invisalign treatments.
Invisalign's plastic aligner trays move the teeth into alignment. The plastic trays apply gentle pressure on the teeth, which is why they move into alignment. The dentist can direct you to wear the trays for up to 20 hours a day. Since the trays are not permanent, you can keep your oral health routines, such as flossing and brushing.Invisalign uses a patented technology of aligners that does not include wires or brackets in the design. The manufacturers design them to move your teeth to an aligned state without causing discomfort. Invisalign is arguably the world's most advanced aligner system. The dentist prescribes your treatment following years of research and information.
An overbite, also known as an overjet, happens when the upper jaw covers the lower jaw, causing your teeth to overlap. It results from bad oral habits, over-development of the jaw, or genetics. Overbites make the upper teeth extend unnaturally while causing gum irritation and jaw joint problems.
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. Underbites occur when the lower jaw extends out beyond the upper jaw. This results from overdevelopment of the lower jaw, underdevelopment of the upper jaw, or both. Underbites can cause abnormal tooth wear, which can be painful, a limited function of the teeth, and joint issues.
If you have an overbite or an underbite, you should first visit a dentist. The dentist will observe the extent of the overbite or underbite. The dentist will then take a digital scan of your mouth to create a 3D image using imaging software. After this, the dentist will issue specific instructions that detail the extent of the underbite or overbite.
Invisalign uses a technology that translates and sequences the instructions sent by the dentist. It molds aligners finely tuned to your mouth. You are to use the aligners for two to three weeks each, taking them out only for eating, drinking, flossing, or brushing.
After two to three weeks, you return to the dentist for a new calibration of the aligners. Slowly, your teeth will realign to the correct positions. The length of time you will be on Invisalign aligners will depend on the condition of your mouth.
Invisalign is best when you are younger, especially while your jaw is still developing, for much better results. It is not ideal for people with complex malocclusions, gum disease or tooth decay, or temporomandibular joint disorders. For more on Invisalign, visit Robert A. Rees, DDS, at our office in La Jolla, California. You can also call (858) 454-6181 to book an appointment today.
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