Chino Hill/La Habra, CA – Invisalign took the orthodontics world by storm when it was first introduced. The revolutionary technology allows patients to straighten their smiles while wearing comfortable plastic aligners that are virtually invisible. Since its release, the technology is improving every day and the trays can now do what only braces could do in the past. So, what should you know about the treatment?
“Invisalign is a tremendous addition to the treatment options I can offer my patients,” says Dr. Robert Gire, who is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a certified Premier Provider of Invisalign in La Habra and Chino Hills. “More than 2,000,000 million patients have used Invisalign to perfect their smiles, and to rave reviews. There are many advantages to the treatment but there are also a few disadvantages, as with any treatment, so it’s important to understand all that goes into the Invisalign process.”
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, removable, and comfortable aligners that are virtually invisible. The aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology, and each set is designed to guide your teeth to a specific location until the final alignment is reached.
Over the course of the treatment, patients are to wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before moving to the new set. You’ll need to wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day to ensure the gentle constant pressure needed to move your teeth can be elicited.
Overall treatment time will be determined based on your specific needs and will be based on how well your teeth respond to treatment. Invisalign treatment times are similar in length to standard metal braces.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
The most popular benefit is that the aligners are clear, making them almost completely invisible while you wear them. That means most people won’t even know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
But in addition to that, they are also removable. You don’t have to change your diet while in Invisalign treatment. Just pop out the aligners when eating and drinking, and you can still enjoy all your favorite foods. You also don’t have to worry about your oral hygiene while in Invisalign, because you can remove the aligners to brush and floss normally.
There are also no metal brackets and wires. The aligners are made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate the inside of your mouth and your tongue.
What are the drawbacks to Invisalign?
Many of the disadvantages to Invisalign are also associated with the advantages.
Invisalign is removable, which can make it tempting to remove the aligners for a big event or other occasion. But in order for your teeth to move to their new locations on time, the aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day. Forgetting to wear the aligners can set back your treatment time.
It’s also important that you never eat or drink with your aligners in. This can cause the aligners to become damaged (read this post to learn more about how to care for your Invisalign aligners,) which can set back your treatment time.
When in Invisalign treatment, it is crucial to brush your teeth after every meal or snack before putting your aligners back in. Failing to brush can trap food particles against the teeth, which over time can lead to staining, bad breath, decay, and possible gum disease.
It’s also important to note that not every orthodontic patient will be an ideal candidate for Invisalign. Some more severe malocclusions might require a different treatment option to properly address. Invisalign can treat more orthodontic issues than ever before, but may require the use of attachments, buttons, and/or rubber bands. While these will increase the effectiveness of your aligners, they will make your treatment more noticeable to others.
If you are interested in learning more about the power of Invisalign, contact Dr. Gire at Gire Orthodontics today, at 562-690-1199 (La Habra office) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills office).