So, you’re ready to take the leap and improve the appearance of your smile, but you’re just not ready to put your life on hold in order to get results. What to do?
Well, you might be able to achieve your dental goals discreetly and comfortably using Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic system that moves teeth without using bulky metal brackets or wires. Keep reading to learn more from our Elmhurst Invisalign dentists on how this treatment works.
Conventional braces move teeth using metal brackets, which are bonded to the dental enamel, and wires, which are attached to the individual brackets. The wires create torque, which gradually moves the teeth into alignment. Invisalign, on the other hand, moves teeth using clear plastic aligners. The aligners fit completely over the patient’s teeth, thus providing constant and consistent pressure on the patient’s smile.
When you come in for a consultation, our team will determine what types of changes you want to make to your smile: closing gaps between teeth, straightening misalignment, correcting bite problems. Then, using Invisalign imaging technology, we’ll be able to work backward to figure out what incremental steps need to be accomplished in order for you to achieve your dream smile.
Throughout the course of treatment, you’ll actually wear a series of aligners in order to move your smile over time. You’ll upgrade to a new aligner every two to three weeks. The aligners are designed to start up where the previous aligner left off.
The average treatment time for Invisalign is about a year to a year and a half. Your specific timeline may be different depending on the current state of your smile and your ultimate dental goals. While you’re undergoing treatment, you’ll want to wear your aligners for as many hours in the day as possible. You should only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and to clean your smile.
The Invisalign treatment process is very patient-friendly and intuitive. This is a cosmetic option that is truly designed to fit your life.
Our Elmhurst Invisalign dentists are here to give you any additional information that you may need about all of your orthodontic options, so please feel free to give us a call to learn more. You can also schedule a personal consultation with our team to get a better idea of whether Invisalign is right for your smile!