Invisalign® is a removable orthodontic appliance, unlike traditional metal and wire braces offered as an alternative. The Invisalign transparent aligner system is an excellent option for patients detesting the thought of a mouthful of metal braces and brackets. Traditional orthodontic appliances are incredibly useful for treating malocclusion but are not attractive to commit to.
If you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, maintaining your smile’s aesthetics during the treatment is no longer a challenge because of the Invisalign system. Invisalign is suitable for adults and teenagers with completely erupted permanent teeth. As a patient, you must fully comply with the instructions of the Invisalign dentist near you on how long you must wear the aligners every day. Not following the instructions compromises your treatment results while also delaying them significantly.
Using a series of removable aligners for adjusting the bite is not a new concept. The concept was first introduced in the 40s to be revisited in the 70s. The initial idea needed several dental impressions to determine the optimal position of the teeth. Currently, technological improvements have made the procedure straightforward, requiring only one set of impressions and images of your teeth taken during your initial consultation.
The impressions taken by the dentist in San Diego, CA, help to create a 3D computer projection of how your teeth are moved incrementally. The images help to develop a series of custom-designed aligners to accomplish your teeth’s movement.
The dental laboratory of Align Technologies manufactures Invisalign aligners using CAD/CAM processes. The aligners are forwarded to the San Diego dentist near you, who usually dispenses them in sets of one or two at a time. The aligners are allocated when you visit the dentist to assess your progress, at which time you can collect your new set of aligners.
You must wear the aligners on your teeth in a specific order for about two weeks to properly manage the treatment. Your teeth move in small increments of .25 mm to .33 mm. The aligners from Invisalign in San Diego, CA, are removable but must remain on your teeth at least 20 to 22 hours a day to reposition your teeth successfully.
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners usually requires 20 to 30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth. Adults can complete their treatment and approximately 12 months or less, but the treatment duration depends on the complexity of the alignment problem affecting you.
Modern dentistry in San Diego, CA, provides Invisalign treatment as an effective method to correct many mild dental problems. Usually, Invisalign treatment is suitable for patients with:
You can determine whether you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment by contacting Invisalign in San Diego, CA, or at one of their offices in Torrey Hills, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa, Torrey Pines, and all areas of San Diego County. The Invisalign dentist will evaluate your mouth and teeth before taking images to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.
It would be helpful for you to remember that Invisalign aligners, despite being removable, must remain on your teeth for the specified time by the dentist if you wish to achieve the desired results. The clear aligners must be removed when eating and drinking anything but water. You can brush and floss your teeth like you usually do to maintain your oral hygiene in optimal condition.
Invisalign treatment does not restrict you from eating the foods you love socializing whenever you feel like it. The virtually invisible aligners are barely noticeable and will remain concealed on your teeth for the duration of the treatment. However, you must care for the aligners as instructed by the San Diego dentist who provides Invisalign cleansers and other materials to keep your aligners in excellent condition. Proceed with your treatment, as suggested by the dentist, and you will have a set of beautiful teeth and a straight smile within a year.