Many people don’t feel comfortable showing their smiles because of misaligned teeth.

According to a study, 77% of women think that crooked teeth are worse than a receding hairline in a potential love interest. 

Then there is the problem of misaligned bites. In some cases, it is so severe that mouth functions are hindered.

Even as an adult there are ways to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. One such orthodontic treatment is the Invisalign Tooth Straightening System. Should you get Invisalign McLean? Here is what you should know.

What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a transparent tooth and bite aligner that resembles retainers. Since they are nearly invisible, hence the name Invisalign. They are removable and fit well with your teeth.

Since Invisalign aligners are made up of thermoplastic material, if one doesn’t look closely, he or she will not be able to tell if you are wearing them.

Invisalign aligners are custom made based on a three dimensional model of your entire mouth. The aligners move your teeth to where you want them. You would need to replace these aligners every few weeks as your treatment progresses. This will continue to move your teeth to the desired position.

After the initial therapy is over and the person is pleased with the outcome, an ultimate Invisalign retainer will be fitted to make sure that the teeth remain this way. The ultimate retainer needs to be used as long as possible to ensure that the results are everlasting.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign gradually moves your teeth through gentle pressure. In this regard, it is not unlike metal braces. The process of shifting your teeth to an ideal location with the help of customized aligners is not painful but you might feel mild discomfort. But you shouldn’t worry if you feel such discomfort. It is the sign that your aligners are working.

You need to wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day to ensure effective teeth straightening. You can remove them when you eat or when you brush your teeth. Taking out the aligners repeatedly or for longer periods than recommended will affect the rate at which your teeth are straightened. The treatment may also be less effective.

How long does it take to straighten teeth using Invisalign?

Treatment time with Invisalign aligners depends on how much the crooked teeth need to be moved. The more crooked your teeth or the more your bite is off, the longer it will take.

The average treatment time for minor cases is 6 to 12 months. But if you have more complex issues then you may be required by your orthodontist to wear them for up to 18 months.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

A lot of adults and teens are interested in getting Invisalign MacLean because it provides a discreet and more comfortable way to straighten teeth compared to metal braces.

Many people claim that the thermoplastic aligners remove many of the complications associated with metal braces like, say, sharp wires that scratch the inside of the mouth. Also, there is the extra benefit of food not getting stuck between your braces.

With metal braces, food getting stuck between the braces is a major problem. Bacteria in the mouth feed on food debris and are responsible for plaque and tartar. This is also why Invisalign patients tend to have healthier teeth and gums compared to patients with braces.  

How to maintain Invisalign aligners?

Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned. Invisalign care takes only a few minutes as you can brush them gently with the same toothpaste when you take them off to brush your teeth. If not cleaned regularly Invisalign aligners can become odorous.

Also, Invisalign aligners are made up of delicate thermoplastic. So care should be taken so that they don’t get cracked.

Can everybody qualify for Invisalign?

Invisalign generally works when the misalignment is mild to medium. Your dentist will perform an accurate digital scan of your mouth. The scan will reveal if Invisalign will work for you. If not, you should not worry. Your dentist will discuss other teeth and bite alignment options.

Is there anything more that you want to know about Invisalign in MacLean?