Invisalign is a treatment to fix crooked or misaligned teeth. It is a revolutionary treatment that has made it easier to straighten uneven teeth. Here are the top questions that are asked about it and answers for the same.

What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a trademarked treatment to straighten crooked teeth. It consists of clear aligners that are used on the teeth. One needs to use them for 22 hours in a day at least to get the desired results.

Who can perform the procedure?

Only dentists trained to perform Invisalign can offer the treatment. You can search online for dental clinics offering Invisalign. Use location-based searches such as Invisalign Springfield VA to find a good clinic near you. Choose a dentist who is board-certified and is trained to offer Invisalign.

What does the procedure entail?

The treatment involves using customized aligners. Your dentist will take 3D images of your mouth and customize the aligners. Dentists create a digital plan to identify exact teeth movement. The first aligner will be fixed on your teeth. It will exert the right pressure to shift the teeth into a more ideal position. Each aligner will do the same.

You can remove them while eating. As your teeth shift from their original position, your dentist will give you the next set of aligners to use. The process will continue until your teeth are straight as desired. You will need to visit the dentist periodically for the progress assessment.

Is Invisalign a better option than metal braces?

Invisalign is considered a better treatment than braces as it offers several benefits. Invisalign involves using clear aligners, which are almost invisible. Such is not the case with metal braces. There is also no risk of cuts or injuries with Invisalign. Metal wires of the braces often cut into the insides of the cheeks. Napkins and clothes also get tangled in them; causing problems.

You can remove Invisalign aligners while eating. So, there is no risk of food getting stuck in them. You can also clean them with water and then put them back. You can also eat properly without aligners or wires hindering the process. It is a pain to clean braces after meals. You also cannot eat every food when you have braces.

With Invisalign, you will actually not face any problem one faces with braces.

Is any special care required for Invisalign aligners?

You need to keep them clean of course. Your dentist may offer special solutions to clean the aligners. Your regular toothpaste and toothbrush are fine to clean them though. You will need to avoid hot water to clean the aligners. Hot water can damage the aligners permanently.

You can rinse the aligners every morning and night. After you drink a beverage, you can clean them by only rinsing them out. It is simple to maintain the aligners.

Who can get Invisalign?

Both children and adults can use Invisalign. Your dentist will examine your teeth and oral health and recommend the right teeth-straightening procedure for you.

Many adults opt for Invisalign as it allows them to be out and about without feeling embarrassed to be seen with braces. Even older kids can do away with metal braces, which are not only uncomfortable but can also lead to teasing by other kids.

Is Invisalign expensive?

The cost of the treatment varies. It will depend on the extent of the misalignment. More crooked the teeth; the longer the duration of the treatment. Other factors such as your oral health may also determine the duration and hence the cost of Invisalign treatment.

It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or two for the teeth to become straight. For less severe problems, you may need to use the aligners for 6 months or so.

Is Invisalign safe?

Yes, Invisalign is a safe procedure. The thermoplastic used for aligners is called SmartTrack® and it is a patented material. The material is FDA-approved. The aligner material is devoid of harmful substances such as BPS and BPA. It doesn’t even contain gluten or latex. So, people with allergies or intolerances to these substances can also safely opt for the treatment.