Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear throughout treatment to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each aligner is custom-crafted at Willow Glen Dental Care using 3D computer imaging technology, creating a solid and smooth plastic tray that fits comfortably over your teeth. The aligners are removable for eating and brushing teeth but must be worn at least 22 hours daily to create the most efficient and effective results.
How Does Invisalign Work?
An impression is taken of your bite, which is used to make your custom aligner. Aligners should be worn most of the day but can be removed to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. Every two weeks, you change to the next aligner in the series. Over time, the aligners move your teeth to their correct positions gradually and gently. Because there are no metal brackets or wires to adjust, you will visit the dentist less frequently -- typically every four to six weeks.
During treatment, you will be wearing a new set of aligners every two weeks as prescribed. These aligners are removable and should be worn at least 22 hours per day for the best results. You may remove them for cleaning and eating. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position that the dentist has prescribed. You’ll visit Willow Glen Dental Care about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages nine to fifteen months, and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between eighteen and thirty-two, but both will vary from case to case.
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, retainers are an option to ensure that your teeth remain in their new positions. Some patients may need them for a short period of time, while others may need to wear them for years.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners straighten your teeth without the prominent appearance of traditional metal braces. Your teeth will gradually move into the correct alignment, and your orthodontist will monitor your progress. The removable aligners are easy to care for and allow you to eat anything you want during treatment. With no wires or brackets to irritate your mouth, you’ll be free to enjoy your favorite foods and smile confidently!
With Invisalign, you’ll also have fewer office visits than with traditional braces. Instead of making frequent appointments to have your braces tightened, you’ll be able to simply switch out your aligner trays every couple of weeks until treatment is complete. You’ll also be able to continue caring for your oral health at home by simply brushing and flossing normally. Traditional braces require added attention to oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease during treatment.
Lastly, since there are no metal brackets or wires, the aligner trays are also more comfortable than traditional braces. In fact, most of our patients report that their aligners feel like they aren’t even there at all! Now that’s something to smile about.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign can help fix a wide range of minor to moderate misalignments, including crossbite, underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth. It can also help address some bite issues and jaw pain associated with TMJ disorders. However, it may not be a good option for major orthodontic issues or severely crooked teeth. If your teeth are significantly misaligned, your dentist may recommend other orthodontic solutions instead.
If Invisalign sounds like the right option for you, the next step is to schedule an initial consultation at our San Jose office. During your appointment, your dentist will check your mouth to make sure there aren’t any oral health issues that need to be addressed before you start using aligners.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
With all the advancements in technology, patients can now receive treatment without braces and wires. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that slowly reposition your teeth over time without the need for brackets or wires. Invisalign is comfortable and eliminates many of the inconveniences of wearing traditional braces. However, some patients experience slight discomfort adjusting to their new aligners. The teeth may initially feel slightly tender, and some mild pressure may occasionally be felt when switching to the next aligner, but this should not last more than a few days.
A patient’s speech may also feel different in the beginning as the tongue gets used to having a new appliance in the mouth. These feelings are all normal, and the discomfort usually goes away quickly. While there is no metal in Invisalign, the aligners are still made from BPA-free plastic, making them safe to wear. Patients can also remove the aligners at any time to eat or drink something and then quickly put them back in to continue their teeth straightening treatment.
You can wear your aligners to work, school, or social events without worrying that others will see them. Get in touch with Willow Glen Dental Care at 1600 Willow St, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95125, or call dentist in San Jose CA (408) 978-0911 to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign and whether they’re right for you.
