It may seem as if everyone today has straight, beautiful teeth, especially if you don’t. Like many who seek to straighten their teeth, you may have heard about invisible aligners as a solution to getting a beautiful smile without wearing traditional braces.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are custom-made trays that gradually straighten and align your teeth. These orthodontic treatments may be an alternative to metal braces, depending on the severity of your misalignment. These aligners are clear, so they appear “invisible,” and they can be removed at any time, unlike traditional braces.
You may be wondering how invisible aligners work. These aligners fit your teeth securely and gradually move them into place, typically up to 1 millimetre at a time. They are made from BPA-free, medical-grade, clear plastic.
What Conditions Do They Treat?
Although they cannot solve every orthodontic problem, invisible aligners can treat minor to moderate alignment issues, depending on the company you work with. Some of the challenges they overcome are teeth crowding or spacing, over- and underbites, and open bites, where your front teeth don’t meet but slant outward when you close your mouth. In addition, some companies now offer aligners for baby teeth so your child’s mouth is prepared for future permanent teeth.
What Happens Before the Treatment Starts?
All invisible aligner plans should be customised to your exact needs. Therefore, you start your programme with either a consultation or digital scan of your mouth or with a bite kit that you use to create moulds of your teeth and send to your aligner company.
After your bite is created, you should expect the company to offer you a digital picture of your smile after the process has been completed. Then, you will discuss your suggested treatment plan. If you approve of your plan, your aligners will be made and transferred to you with further instructions.
What Can You Expect During the Treatment?
During your treatment, you will wear your aligners every day. Some plans offer only nighttime aligners, while others offer full-day aligners. Nighttime aligners should be worn at least 10 hours per day, while full-day aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day. You do not wear them when you eat and brush your teeth.
You change your aligners each week to three weeks. The first day or so of a new tray may be uncomfortable because your teeth are being moved into a new location, even if this movement is minimal. Your treatment period may last up to 24 months, depending on the severity of your misalignment.
The benefit is that you will typically work with professional, licensed orthodontists throughout your treatment programme if you work with a reputable company. These professionals will ensure that your treatments are progressing appropriately and answer any questions you may have during the process.
What Happens After the Treatment?
When you complete your treatment, most companies will provide you with a final set of aligners that is custom-made for your new smile. You will be told to wear these aligners at night. These new trays will prevent your teeth from shifting back into their previous positions.
What Options Are Available?
Depending on the company you work with, you may have to visit an orthodontist who is licensed to use invisible aligner products. These treatments are often more intense. However, you can also work with companies that offer at-home aligners, which tend to be less expensive and never require a doctor’s visit. Your programme may vary significantly if you work with a company that offers in-office service versus at-home service.
If you have misaligned teeth and are looking for a way to get a new smile without wearing traditional braces, invisible aligners may be your solution. Do your research and find the best company or licensed orthodontist to work with and get ready to smile wide.