When you have a misaligned smile, you may lack confidence and feel you have to avoid looking in the mirror or smiling for the camera. If that resonates with you, then you may have been trying to find out what can be done to address the situation. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of teeth and jaws that are misaligned. Misaligned teeth can cause several problems, which is why it is really important to get your teeth realigned. Problems can include difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even jaw pain. In severe cases, misaligned teeth can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
There are many different orthodontic treatments available, including braces and clear aligners. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular option for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without having to wear fixed braces, and Invisalign is a leading brand that has been used for over 15 million smiles.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign St John’s Wood is a clear aligner system that uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into their correct position. The aligners are made of a clear, tooth-coloured plastic that is virtually invisible when worn, and this makes it a popular option with patients because it offers valuable discretion. Invisalign is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth without having to worry about anyone realising they are undergoing treatment when they walk into a business meeting or head to school.
How does Invisalign work?
The first step in getting Invisalign is to go for an initial consultation with a dentist who offers this treatment. During an initial consultation, you will be able to discuss the goals you have for your smile, and they will be able to examine your mouth, taking X-rays as required. They will then be able to outline what treatment options are available.
If you decide to go for Invisalign, the next step will be to use a ClinCheck digital scan to get the measurements of your teeth and mouth. From this scan, they will also create a 3D digital model of your bite, which can be used to create a customised treatment plan that shows how your teeth will gradually move during your Invisalign treatment into their correct position.
The treatment plan will consist of a series of aligners that you will wear for one to two weeks at a time. Each aligner will move your teeth a small amount, and you will gradually progress through the treatment plan until your teeth are in their final position. Every 6 to 8 weeks, you will need to visit your dentist for a check-up during your Invisalign treatment period.
Types of Invisalign treatment
When you are deciding whether or not you wish to go ahead with Invisalign, your dentist may also discuss the types of Invisalign treatments available. There are four different types of Invisalign treatment. The first is Invisalign Lite, which is the shortest and most affordable type of Invisalign treatment. It is typically used to correct mild to moderate misalignments and can achieve results more quickly as the alignment issues it treats are simple.
Another treatment is Invisalign First, a treatment designed for children aged 6 to 10 years old, which aims to make more room with the jaw and arches for existing teeth and any other teeth that may come through.
The third type of treatment is Invisalign Express; this used to be known as Invisalign i7 and can correct the mildest of alignment issues. You will only need to wear seven different aligners, so your treatment should only take a few months. Finally, there is also Invisalign Comprehensive, the most comprehensive type of Invisalign treatment. It is typically used to correct severe misalignments and can take between 6 to 12 months on average.
Advantages of Invisalign treatment
If you’re considering Invisalign, you will certainly want to know the benefits of having this treatment. There are some advantages to having Invisalign treatment, and arguably one of the biggest benefits is the fact that the aligners are virtually invisible when they are being worn. The aligners should also be comfortable to wear because they are made bespoke for your mouth, and the plastic is smooth and shouldn’t cause any irritation on the inside of your mouth. Furthermore, the aligners are removable for up to 2 hours a day, so you can take a break from treatment when you really need it, and you won’t need to alter your diet since you can remove your aligners before meals. You can also clean your teeth and gums afterwards without your aligners in your mouth.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment, get yourself nearly invisible aligners and keep the mystery alive for other people – only you need to know the secret!