Invisalign clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment for adults that corrects many of the same issues as traditional braces, including tooth misalignment, overbites, and underbites.
Straightening your teeth with clear aligners is a convenient treatment approach that offers many benefits compared to traditional braces. Invisalign is perfect for the adult lifestyle because the aligners are virtually invisible when worn so you can keep your orthodontic treatment to yourself. Unlike braces, you can remove them to enjoy your favorite meals and brush and floss easily.
Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Treats
Dentists commonly recommend Invisalign clear aligners to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
If you are looking for an Invisalign provider in Flowery Branch, GA, who can help you decide if clear aligner therapy is right for you, please call (770) 531-3232 to schedule an appointment.
Orthodontic Issues Invisalign Does Not Treat
Invisalign treatment is highly successful for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but traditional braces are typically better in the following situations.
- Serious bite problems — Traditional braces are powerful and more appropriate to address serious bite issues (malocclusions).
- Severely rotated teeth — Invisalign addresses slightly rotated teeth, but for more serious rotation, traditional braces are appropriate.
- Significant gaps between teeth — Invisalign closes gaps less than 6mm; traditional braces are appropriate for more significant gaps, such as diastemas.
- Very small or misshapen teeth — If you have tiny, severely pointed teeth, Invisalign is not ideal, and your dentist may recommend traditional braces instead.
It is always best to consult your dentist before deciding which treatment is more appropriate for your needs so that they can perform a thorough evaluation.
A Brief History of Invisalign
Invisalign was first introduced in 1999 by Align Technology in California. The goal was to create a clear, comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces, and the first set of clear aligners was shipped to a patient in 2000.
Since then, Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options, with over 14 million patients worldwide having been treated with the system as of 2022.
SmartTrack™: An Innovative Material for Clear Aligners
The material used for Invisalign aligners is a transparent, medical-grade thermoplastic called SmartTrack™ designed explicitly for tooth movement. The patented material is designed for flexibility, durability, and comfort and fits snugly to apply consistent, gentle force to move your teeth.
SmartTrack is strong, durable, and comfortable and is BPA-free and FDA-approved, making it safe to wear in the mouth. It is also latex-free and gluten-free.
Steps for Getting Invisalign
If you are interested in getting clear aligners, it's essential to contact an Invisalign provider who has been specially trained to use the system properly.
Invisalign Treatment Planning
The first step is to schedule an appointment with an Invisalign dentist. They will examine your teeth and take digital photos, x-rays, and impressions to create your personalized treatment plan.
Wearing Your Clear Aligners
Using the treatment plan, the Invisalign lab will create several sets of custom aligners calibrated to gently move your teeth into their ideal positions. Your dentist will instruct you to wear your first set of aligners for 22 hours daily for two weeks. After two weeks, you should switch to the next stage of aligners provided.
You can remove your aligners to brush and floss effectively and enjoy your favorite meals. You will see your Invisalign dentist every 4–6 weeks for regular check-ins to monitor your progress and receive your new aligners as needed.
Your Invisalign treatment is finished when you've worn your last set of aligners. Treatment times vary, with some patients completing treatment in as little as six months. However, most patients fall in the range of about 12–18 months.
Wearing Your Retainer to Maintain Results
After you wear all your aligners, your dentist will customize a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth. If you don't wear your maintainer as prescribed, you risk orthodontic relapse, where your teeth revert to their original crooked position.
Invisalign Treatment in Flowery Branch, GA
Dr. Reginald Booker is an experienced Invisalign dentist who would be happy to meet you and help you with your orthodontic needs. Please call Royal Lakes Dental to schedule an appointment at our new location at 3614 Winder Hwy Suite 2200, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.