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Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the look of traditional braces. Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made trays that fit over your teeth and apply gentle, steady pressure to guide them into better alignment over time. Each new set of aligners continues the movement step by step, following a plan created from detailed scans of your mouth. Here’s more information on how Invisalign aligners work to straighten your teeth:
Scanning and Shaping Trays
The Invisalign process begins with a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific dental situation. Your dentist follows these key steps to create your custom aligners:
- Digital scanning: Your dentist takes digital images of your teeth to capture precise measurements and create a 3D model of your mouth.
- Treatment planning: Computer technology maps out the exact movements your teeth will make during treatment, showing you the expected results before you begin.
- Custom aligner fabrication: A dental laboratory manufactures your personalized aligners according to the treatment plan, creating a series of trays that guide your teeth into alignment.
Your dentist provides detailed instructions for wearing and caring for your aligners. Each set of trays is designed to create specific tooth movements at precise stages of your treatment.
Shifting Teeth Gradually
Invisalign aligners work by applying controlled force to your teeth. The material fits snugly over your teeth and applies gentle and consistent pressure that gradually shifts them into the correct position. This pressure triggers a biological process in which your body reshapes the bone around your teeth.
Each aligner moves your teeth slightly, and these incremental changes add up over time. The aligners apply force to specific teeth based on your treatment plan, allowing for predictable and precise movement. The clear aligners address various dental issues through this controlled movement. Gaps close as teeth shift closer together, and overcrowding resolves as teeth move into proper spacing. Bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites improve as teeth align correctly with the opposing jaw.
Wearing Aligners Daily
Successful Invisalign treatment requires consistent daily habits. You must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day, removing them only for eating and brushing your teeth. This extended wear time keeps constant pressure on your teeth, and this allows them to move as planned.
You’ll replace your aligners approximately every two weeks. Each new set continues the gradual shifting process, moving your teeth closer to their final position. Make sure to switch to your new aligners as directed by your dentist to stay on schedule with your treatment. Brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in to maintain good oral hygiene. Clean your aligners regularly with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap to keep them fresh and transparent.
Refining and Retaining Results
Regular monitoring helps make sure your treatment progresses as planned. Your dentist tracks these key aspects during your Invisalign process:
- Scheduled check-ins: You’ll have periodic appointments to verify that your teeth are moving correctly and to receive your next set of aligners.
- Treatment adjustments: If your teeth aren’t responding as expected, your dentist may order refinement trays to achieve the desired results.
- Retainer phase: After completing your aligner series, you’ll transition to wearing retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Treatment length varies based on individual needs, but many people complete Invisalign in about 12 months.
Book Your Invisalign Appointment Today
Invisalign straightens teeth through a systematic process of digital planning, custom aligners, and consistent daily wear. The material applies controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into proper alignment while addressing issues like gaps, overcrowding, and bite problems. Following your dentist’s instructions and maintaining your wear schedule are fundamental to achieving your desired results. Contact a professional dentist near you to book your Invisalign appointment today.
