Does Invisalign Really Work?

If you believe you may require orthodontic treatment and are considering if Invisalign is a viable choice, read on. Our Halifax dentists explain why Invisalign Clear Aligners might be worth it.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure designed to straighten teeth using a series of transparent plastic trays or aligners, rather than traditional braces. Many adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional metal-and-wire braces look to Invisalign as an alternative. Users can remove their Invisalign trays when they eat, brush their teeth, and floss their teeth. However, they are most effective when they are worn for 20 to 22 hours each day.

The Invisalign aligners should be easy to use, generally comfortable to wear, and nearly undetectable to others when worn. Clear Invisalign aligners can be used to realign your teeth, reduce crowding, and close spaces between teeth.

Invisalign may also help with issues concerning overbites & underbites, and even open bites (when the upper and lower teeth don't meet, which can cause trouble when chewing).

How does Invisalign Work?

Think of your Invisalign aligners as a traditional teeth whitening tray and you'll be on your way to knowing what your aligners will look like.

Starting with a dental imprint of your mouth, Invisalign lab technicians will produce a series of custom aligners that are specifically designed for you in order to encourage your teeth to move into their new positions.

It is expected that you will change aligners about once every two weeks until the desired outcome is reached.

Invisalign aligners apply pressure to misaligned teeth, gradually pushing them into proper alignment over time. Over the course of three to eighteen months (on average), users usually wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day.

Although not all Invisalign patients will require attachments, an orthodontist may decide that they are necessary for some situations. Attachments are small handle-like attachments to the teeth that help the aligners exert the proper force on problem areas.

Why Invisalign Can Work

Your aligners' consistent, gentle pressure will gradually move your teeth into their proper positions, which is primarily how Invisalign works. Each stage of your Invisalign treatment focuses on just a few of your teeth at a time, as opposed to straightening every one of them at once.

By switching out your aligners every two weeks, it is possible that each of your teeth receives the appropriate amount of pressure for the exact period of time.

With gentle movement and guidance, your teeth should move into their new positions and leave you with a straighter smile as a result of the process.

Are you curious as to whether Invisalign Clear Aligners are the right treatment option for you? Contact our Halifax dentists to schedule a consultation. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.