How Will Invisalign Realign My Teeth?
Crooked or gapped teeth can be a source of insecurity and embarrassment. Invisalign clear aligners offer a safe and discreet means of straightening teeth.
Invisalign® clear aligners move teeth into better alignment without the need for attachments or wires. The orthodontic treatment is just as effective as metal braces. To explain how Invisalign works, we offer this overview for our Boston, MA, patients.
How Do Clear Aligners Move Teeth?
Invisalign clear aligners work on the same principle that allows metal braces to safely move teeth. When pressure is applied to any tooth, that tooth will slowly move in the direction that the pressure is guiding it toward.
As each tooth moves, jawbone tissue is continually reabsorbed ahead of the tooth movement and generated behind the tooth movement. This allows teeth to remain stable once they reach their more cosmetically pleasing positions.
Metal braces nudge teeth through the use of small metal or ceramic attachments that are pulled by a wire. Invisalign uses clear trays that gently move teeth through micromovement. Depending on what type of tooth movement is needed, the surface of the tray can push the tooth accordingly.
Since the trays come into greater contact with the surface of each tooth, the pressure is more evenly distributed, which makes for a more comfortable orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect during Your Invisalign Treatment
Once you receive your first pair of clear aligners, you will be given instructions on how to clean and maintain your aligners. Most of our Boston patients need to change their aligner trays every two weeks and wear the trays for 22 hours per day.
Compliance Rule
The 22-hour compliance rule is critical for maintaining steady cosmetic results. Following the 22-hour rule also helps prevent unnecessary discomfort. Your dentist will schedule visits to our office at monthly or six-week intervals.
Follow-up Visits
During those follow-up visits, one of our doctors will check your teeth with and without the trays on to ensure that you are progressing according to the treatment timeline. The visits are also a great time for you to ask questions or to mention any discomfort that you are experiencing.
Maintenance
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you will need to clean and maintain your aligner trays on a daily basis. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm (not hot) water to brush your teeth.
Final Results
Your treatment could take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on your cosmetic needs. Many patients begin noticing cosmetic results within a few weeks of starting orthodontic treatment.
Once you have completed all your trays, a retainer will be made that should be worn nightly. Failure to wear your retainer could result in tooth shifting.
Schedule Your Invisalign Treatment Today
Straight teeth are synonymous with youth, beauty, and even intelligence. If crooked or gapped teeth leave you feeling insecure about your smile, call our office to set up a consultation to explore the benefits of Invisalign. You can reach our friendly dental team online or by calling (781) 890-4900.
