Sometimes, treatments like Invisalign are so effective that friends don’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment at first. Today, Manhattan Family Orthodontics will answer this question and more: How do clear aligners straighten teeth?
What Are Clear Aligners?
Our offices offer Invisalign as an excellent, less visible alternative to traditional braces, used to correct misalignment in the teeth of teenage and adult patients. They work by gradually shifting your teeth into desired positions, using a series of subtly different, removable aligner trays.
How They Work
Processes like Invisalign follow a specific fitting and manufacturing procedure. The significant contrast between these and DIY home kits lies in our professional monitoring and ability to achieve exceptional precision. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Consultation: Your treatment journey begins with a free initial consultation with one of our doctors. During this meeting, we will evaluate your teeth, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if this option is suitable for you.
- Digital Scanning or Impressions: We use advanced digital scanning technology instead of traditional putty to create precise 3D models of your teeth and gums. This allows us to accurately capture all the nuances of your individual dental anatomy, as well as to provide you with a way to navigate your dental anatomy.
- Treatment Planning: Our doctors utilize specialized software to digitally plan the movement of your teeth into the desired positions. This process serves as a virtual blueprint for creating your custom aligners so that you have clear expectations for the process.
- Fabrication: After finalizing the treatment plan, the digital models are used to manufacture a series of custom clear aligners. These aligners are crafted using advanced computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology from lightweight, durable, BPA-free plastic.
- Aligner Trimming: Each aligner undergoes trimming to ensure smooth edges and a comfortable fit, preventing irritation to your gums and oral tissues during wear.
- Quality Control: The aligners undergo rigorous quality checks at the lab to ensure accuracy and consistency, verifying that each aligner matches the digital treatment plan precisely.
- Fitting: Once the aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to receive your first set. We’ll ensure they fit properly and provide detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them effectively.
- Treatment Progression: Throughout the treatment process, you’ll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, gradually shifting your teeth closer to their desired positions. Regular appointments with us allow for necessary adjustments along the way.
Benefits of Invisalign
If you’re unsure about clear aligners, we’d like to provide some insights that might help guide your decision. Here are several advantages of choosing this treatment:
- Discreet Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them an excellent choice for those seeking orthodontic treatment without the noticeable presence of braces. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in school or professional settings who prefer a more subtle look.
- Comfortable: Our meticulous customization process ensures that discomfort is minimized. While you may experience some initial adjustment, any discomfort is typically short-lived and manageable. We encourage our patients to contact us if they experience unusual or persistent discomfort, as a slight adjustment to a sharp edge on an aligner can often resolve the issue.
- Removable: Clear aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. Traditional braces, with their numerous small parts, can make cleaning more challenging and can easily trap food.
- Predictable Results: Advanced 3D scanning technology enables us to visualize and illustrate your expected results with remarkable accuracy. The absence of wires and brackets allows for a more gradual and tangible progression towards your desired outcome.
- Versatility: Clear aligners like Invisalign are highly versatile and effective in addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and gaps between teeth. Whether your concerns are mild or more complex, our team can explain why this option may be the most suitable for you.
Just remember: Even if it’s decided that clear aligners aren’t the best possible choice for you or your child, we have a wide variety of other approaches we can take to solve orthodontic issues. So don’t be discouraged!
Clearing the Path for a New Smile!
We hope this blog has provided help with common questions about Invisalign treatment, the process of creating the aligners, and how they work to fix your smile. Our team of professionals is dedicated to guiding you through your treatment plan and ensuring optimal results. For inquiries, feel free to reach out to our Uptown or Downtown offices.