Invisalign® incorporates removable, clear, mouthguard-like aligners to properly straighten your teeth. Patients can easily slide the aligners over their lower and upper teeth as well as remove them at any time including special or business events.
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; it is extremely hard to identify whether or not someone is wearing them. In addition, Invisalign offers many other benefits including:
While it’s tempting to tell everyone they can avoid the embarrassment and hassle of traditional braces and use Invisalign, not everyone is a good candidate for the clear acrylic aligners. The severity or changes you want to make is the main determinant of eligibility. If the issues are too severe, such as a large overbite or serious jaw alignment problems, advanced orthodontic procedures are needed to shift the jaw. However, your aligners can handle moderate changes including crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites or crossbites.
Age and discipline are additional factors to consider when deciding on Invisalign. Candidates such as teenagers and adults are ideal since their teeth are finished growing. If a younger patient requires early intervention the problems are likely too severe for Invisalign aligners. Additionally, aligners are removable but must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be effective. Patients need to have the dedication and diligence about wearing the aligner trays to achieve a great smile.
After a consultation to determine patient eligibility, Clear Lake Dental Care will work on a unique treatment plan. This plan includes a schedule for a series of Invisalign® trays that are unique to each patient and will perfectly align their teeth. Each tray will cater to specific teeth readjustments and once the aligners are set in place, they gradually shift the targeted teeth. Approximately every two weeks you will receive a new set of aligner trays to continue the teeth straightening process. The length of treatment is specific to each patient and depends on the severity of your case. However, the average case takes about 12 months for adults.
