Does Invisalign Work? Pros, Cons, Effectiveness

Invisalign® is a system of clear, customized plastic trays used to straighten teeth. They are suitable for teenagers and adults who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. The trays are made of FDA-approved plastic that is virtually transparent. Here is more on repairing your smile with Invisalign in Smithtown, NY.

Dental Issues Fixed by Invisalign Aligners

A dentist Smithtown, NY, can use Invisalign to treat several dental issues. Some of them are:

1. Overbite. This is when the upper teeth overlap your lower teeth.
2. Crowded teeth. Your teeth may be bunched together or twisted because they lack room to develop properly.
3. Gap teeth. Most people have a space between their teeth
4. Underbite. This is when a person’s lower teeth rest over the upper teeth when the mouth is closed.
5. Open bite. It is when the lower and upper teeth do not come together when you close the mouth.
6. Crossbite. You may have a misaligned jaw resulting in the upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth.

How Invisalign Works

Patients seeking Invisalign treatment must first consult a dentist who provides the treatment. The dentist providing Invisalign near you scrutinizes your teeth. The assessment helps the dentist decide if they are an appropriate corrective treatment for you. Next, your teeth are fitted for custom-made aligners. The dental team uses the latest imaging technology from Invisalign.

You will receive your series of aligner trays after a few weeks. These devices come in sets where each is worn for about two weeks then switched for the next one. Each tray moves teeth differently towards addressing then misalignment issues. Depending on the treatment plan, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day for three to 18 months.

Before giving you the initial set of aligners, your dentist will fix small attachments to your teeth. They help your aligners exert the right amount of force on the areas that need repairing. The aligners fit snugly over your teeth but are easily removable. Invisalign aligners are taken out to eat, drink anything other than cold water, and clean.

After you have worn all the trays in the series, your dentist will assess your teeth to ascertain that the treatment worked. You may require more aligners to get that perfect smile. However, the aligners are worn for a short time as they address minor teeth correction issues.

In addition, the dentist in Smithtown, NY, will provide you with Invisalign retainers. They are usually worn at night to prevent a relapse.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Here are some cons and pros of Invisalign to help you determine if it is the right choice for you.

Pros

1. Invisalign aligners are not easily noticeable. They allow you to straighten teeth discreetly.
2. They are easily removed for important occasions such as family photoshoots, eating, and cleaning.
3. These devices allow you to maintain good oral hygiene during the treatment. You may take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth.
4. The aligners correct your teeth with least discomfort. They are comfortable in the mouth and cause little or no problems in your mouth.
5. You require fewer dental consultations within the treatment period. No frequent visits to the dentist 11787 for adjustments are necessary.

Cons

• You need a lot of discipline and commitment to Invisalign if you desire success. The aligners must remain in the mouth for a minimum of 20 hours daily. Most people do not comply with the rule.
• Taking your aligners out every time you want to clean your teeth, eat or drink may be inconvenient for you. However, not doing so will damage your devices interfering with the treatment.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Long before Invisalign technology came up, traditional braces were straightening teeth. New technology in dentistry replaced metal braces with Invisalign. Dental braces work the same as aligners but not in the same method. They are suitable for severe cases of malocclusion that may not be successfully treated with aligners.

When deciding between the two straightening methods, most people choose Invisalign over braces. This is due to the following reasons:

1. You can remove them easily when you need to, unlike braces which a dentist can only take off.
2. Invisalign aligners are aesthetically pleasing. Braces contain metals and wires which affect your appearance.
3. Your dental hygiene routine does not change with Invisalign. This is because you remove them while cleaning your teeth. It isn’t easy to brush and floss with braces.
4. It takes a shorter time to complete Invisalign treatment than traditional braces.

Contact us at Joseph B Pantaleo DDS for Invisalign treatment.