Do you have to wear braces but you would like to avoid wearing wires and bands? Invisalign deserves a second look. This versatile treatment helps correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions without traditional metal braces. Impressions are taken of your teeth, then a computerized treatment plan is developed. Specialized for you, it shows your smile with the corrected, repositioned teeth and estimates the time that will be needed for the process.

A series of clear plastic aligners are designed specifically to correct your dental problems. Each aligner is formulated to move a single tooth or a small group of teeth. These devices fit over the surface of the teeth, eliminating wires, and are usually worn 20 to 22 hours a day. You may feel a slight pressure when a new set of aligners is applied but, overall, this treatment is much less painful than metal braces.

Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, then is replaced, advancing your treatment. The success of Invisalign depends upon your commitment. Research studies conducted revealed that the common metal braces treatment takes around 36 months but in some cases it could be as long as 96 months. The Invisalign treatment appears to be much quicker, requiring an average of 12 to 18 months.

Invisalign Usage Requirements

Here are must requirements to be satisfied when using Invisalign:

1. Set aside aligners before eating

2. Brush your teeth after eating and before putting back aligners to your mouth

3. If you grind your teeth at night, you may wear the liners down before the next set is needed. Be wary on tear and wear factor which should require you to replace the aligner timely.

4. You have to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours but not more than 22 hours a day.

If you fail to keep the aligners in for the required length of time, the next set in the series set may not fit. Thus, new impressions and aligners will be necessary, adding to the cost. The cost of Invisalign varies by need and geographic area. For some, the cost involved does not make much difference compared to conventional braces.

Advantages of Invisalign

1. Aligners are clear plastic, almost invisible, unnoticeable when in place

2. Convenience in wearing and tolerable discomfort compared to metal braces

3. Ease of use-aligners are easy to place or remove

4. Simple to care for – just clean as directed at least once daily

5. Oral hygiene friendly since aligners can be taken off  prior to meals, and allows thorough teeth brushing after eating

6. Lower cases of tooth decay during treatment

7. Decreased treatment time. Results of studies revealed an average of 12 to 19 months correction period

8. Little irritation to tongue and inside of mouth since causing objects like wires are not present

9. Can be removed for special occasions

You can wear a better smile without metal braces by consulting your dentist or orthodontist about Invisalign.