Your Parksville Invisalign® Provider
In this blog, our Parksville dentists explain the science behind orthodontic clear aligners (such as Invisalign) and break down the ways they help give you a straighter smile.
How Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth
Clear aligners help treat orthodontic conditions and come as a series of removable, clear, and transparent aligner trays. They help straighten patients' teeth by shifting them in very small increments till they reach their desired positions as mapped out in the treatment plan that has been established by your dentist.
Throughout the last decade, they have been really popular among teens and adults that want a more discreet treatment method to straightening their teeth that doesn't consist of brackets and wires, which are part of treatments with traditional metal braces.
Being a Suitable Candidate for Clear Aligners
The process starts by learning if you are a suitable candidate for clear aligners. At your consultation appointment, your dentist will complete an exam, which will consist of photos of your teeth, dental impressions, digital X-rays, and a bite registration (to see how your lower and upper teeth fit together).
This process is very important in finding out if your orthodontic condition can be successfully treated with clear aligners.
Clear Aligners Help treat Orthodontic Conditions
Once your orthodontist or dentist examines your mouth and takes impressions of your teeth, your aligners will be custom-made to treat your specific orthodontic problem. Dental professionals utilize clear aligners to effectively treat the following conditions:
- Sleep apnea
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Gapped teeth
- Teeth grinding
Just as each patient’s teeth are individual to them, every case is unique. The duration of your specific treatment and other factors in your treatment plan could vary based on the teeth that are being moved, and by how far. It can take longer to move some teeth than others due to their position in your mouth.
Depending on your needs and preferences, removable custom clear aligners can offer an aesthetic and comfortable alternative to fixed appliances such as braces when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
Clear Aligners Inspires Great Oral Health & Hygiene
With the brushing and flossing you’ll be doing to keep your teeth - and your aligners clean - during your treatment, you’ll be diligently brushing away plaque and bacteria that can get stuck between your aligners and your teeth, leading to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
A large part of successful treatment with clear aligners is the commitment to excellent oral hygiene - and working with your dentist to follow the treatment plan and minimize the chance for plaque to take hold.
Clear Aligner Treatments Might Require Less Time
Another benefit of clear aligners is that you’ll spend less time in your dentist’s office - and more time enjoying your straighter smile.
Clear aligners shouldn’t need to be adjusted or tightened and you should only need to visit your dentist every couple of months to check in on your progress and ensure your treatment is going to plan.
The Limits of Clear Aligners
While there are many advantages to treatment with clear aligners, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with this option. Large overbites, severe rotations, some molar issues and other problems may require another orthodontic treatment option.
If your case cannot be treated with Invisalign, your dentist can help you find another option that will work for you, such as traditional metal braces.