Invisalign® is an alternative procedure to metal braces. Instead of installing metal braces on your teeth, your doctor uses a plastic tray over your teeth to align them. They resemble the plastic cases worn after a patient wears braces. Bronx Invisalign® experts use this technique to correct teeth misalignment, align your jaw, and correct teeth spacing.
How does it work?
Before the treatment, the doctor conducts a thorough examination to assess your suitability. Certain conditions, such as severe malocclusions, can hinder your candidacy for the test.
Where metal braces can cause gum pain and infection, the advantage of Invisalign® is that it reduces the risk of several conditions such as gingivitis.
If you have misaligned teeth, the first thing to do is book an appointment with your specialist. The doctor will use advanced technology that involves taking digital images of the teeth to assess the extent of your specific dental needs.
Following imaging, a treatment program is developed, the specialist designs the aligners, and your next appointment will be scheduled several weeks out.
How long does the procedure take?
The duration of time Invisalign® takes differs among individuals, lasting anywhere between six and twelve months, with your doctor scheduling regular appointments to follow up on your journey.
The aligners used in this procedure have an indicator that tells how often you should wear them. For quick results, you must have them on unless you are eating and brushing.
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are recommended at least once a month. Considering the doctor changes aligners regularly, it is essential not to miss an appointment.
Caring for your teeth
It is important to take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily. You can do so, by removing aligners during mealtimes and then placing them back into position after brushing your teeth.
It is helpful to clean the aligners regularly by using normal toothpaste and a soft toothbrush in a back-and-forth motion. You can also buy a home-based kit to clean them.
Can you eat with Invisalign®?
The advantage of Invisalign® is that you can remove them when eating. Therefore, this offers the freedom to eat different types of food. Although you can eat candies, biscuits, and cakes, they are not recommended due to their increased risk of causing tooth decay from sugar remaining on the tooth.
Are there side effects?
Aligners are foreign objects in the mouth that may cause you to feel some discomfort during the early stages. Such discomfort typically goes away after about one or two weeks of wearing them. If the discomfort persists, however, be sure to book an appointment with your specialist who will conduct a re-evaluation.
These aligners may have attachments that accelerate the treatment or tiny buttons or ridges that ensure the aligners are properly attached.
After the treatment
After the treatment, your doctor may recommend other techniques, such as using a retainer you can wear at night for your teeth to stay straight.
Invisalign® aligners help in aligning your teeth in a painless procedure. It is a non-invasive technique that replaces traditional metal braces. For treatment, book an appointment with Nishita Gandhi, DDS.
