How to Discreetly and Effectively Straighten Your Smile Using Invisalign

Jul 01, 2020

Since your smile is one of the most notable facial features, having misaligned or crooked teeth can negatively impact your smile. Misaligned teeth can cause other problems, including poor speech, periodontal diseases, among other bite problems.

For years, metal braces have been the only teeth straightening treatment that was available. However, many adults felt as though this option did not favor them. They have poor aesthetics and are a bit uncomfortable.

Ever since the invention of Invisalign aligners, adults can comfortably get their teeth straightened without feeling self-conscious.

Invisalign braces are a revolutionary treatment designed to be comfortable and discreet.

Invisalign, In a Nutshell

Invisalign aligners are teeth straightening braces that are made from non-toxic BPA plastic. Straightening teeth using Invisalign usually involves using a set of customized trays to rectify teeth alignment.

Since metal braces are aesthetically not pleasing, uncomfortable, and challenging to clean, clear aligners (Invisalign) were designed to address these drawbacks.

Why Do You Need Invisalign?

Our Harbord dentist is better placed to ascertain whether you are a perfect candidate for Invisalign after checking your teeth and gums. However, if you have any of the following dental issues, you can reap the benefits of using Invisalign:

Openbite
Spacing
Overbite
Underbite
Crooked teeth
Crossbite

If you do not get any of these issues resolved using Invisalign aligners, you will be at risk of developing the following complications:

Periodontal disease (gum disease) since it is difficult to clean in between crooked teeth
Speech difficulties because crooked teeth can affect the way you articulate sound
Chewing and digestion issues can arise because misaligned teeth interfere with proper chewing
Excess wear since misaligned teeth can cause your teeth, gums, and jaw to work a lot more to eat and speak and can cause chronic headaches and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

How Does Invisalign Work

Invisalign applies the same principle with traditional metal braces since they move the teeth to the desired position. Clear aligners are snug, which means that they gently move your teeth in the right places to get the desired results.

Unlike metal braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign has a set of customized aligners that will be used throughout your treatment.

With conventional braces, the metal brackets and wires are readjusted during every dental visit, to continue to move your teeth. Now, the series of lightweight aligners operate the same way as the metal brackets and wires.

Typically, you will wear an aligner for two weeks before discarding it and picking the next one in the series. The process goes on until you finish your treatment. Picture the changing of the aligners as readjusting the brackets and wires in metal braces.

How Are Aligners Made?

Here are the steps involved in getting your customized clear aligners at Dental Art on Harbord on Harbord:

Step 1

When you visit our offices, our Harbord dentist will create a treatment plan for you. During your visit, our dentist will use 3D imaging to get accurate images of your mouth and current teeth positions. The 3D image will help our dentist to trace the way your teeth are to move.

Step 2

Using the 3D image, our dentist will create a series of trays, which you will change every week or after two weeks because your teeth will be shifting into their new positions.

Step 3

Your treatment officially commences when your aligners have been created. Our dentist will give you enough aligners that will last you until your next appointment.

You are supposed to wear each aligner for at least 20 hours daily for about two weeks. Your progress will be monitored every six to eight weeks when you come in for your checkups.

Caring for Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners are very convenient for most people. You can easily remove them to eat your favorite snack and then wear them. You can clean them with so much ease as compared to metal braces.

However, without proper care, they will not serve you as they should. Here are some tips that can help you:

Do

Soak them regularly in cleaning crystals
Rinse your aligners with running water when you remove them to wash off the saliva and bacteria
Brush your teeth every time you remove them to eat before wearing the aligners to prevent plaque buildup on the aligners
Stick to drinking water only while wearing the aligners

Don’ts

Don’t use toothpaste to clean the aligners; toothpaste damages them
Avoid using clear soap since they get easily stained by them
Don’t eat food and colored drinks because you will stain them and leave an odor

If you have any more questions concerning Invisalign or any other dental issue, contact us today at Dental Art on Harbord on Harbord.