Did you know that the act of smiling releases endorphins - the chemical responsible for happiness? So if crooked teeth are preventing you from smiling confident, it's time to make a change.

Invisalign is a teeth alignment and straightening system. If you are unhappy with your teeth because they are crooked but you don't want traditional metal braces, Invisalign could be the perfect solution.

Keep reading for a quick guide on everything you need to know about Invisalign. Give yourself even more reasons to smile!

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign is an alternative to metal and wire braces. Generally, people find these clear aligners more comfortable and easier to use. People also prefer Invisalign because it's less noticeable than braces.

You may be a good candidate for Invisalign if you have:

• Crooked teeth
• An overbite (your top teeth stick out over your bottom teeth resulting in a gap)
• An underbite (your bottom teeth stick out further than your top teeth)
• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth

If you have any of these conditions, you could be a good fit for Invisalign. More severe dental issues may not be resolved with Invisalign. You should book a consultation with an Invisalign specialist to confirm your eligibility. 

What to Expect From the First Appointment 

Once the dentist has confirmed you are a good candidate for Invisalign they will need photographs of your teeth and face. This process should only take a few minutes.

The dentist may also take a digital scan, x-rays, or impressions of your teeth. The scan, x-rays, and impressions will not hurt but may cause mild discomfort if they use a device to hold your mouth open.

Next Steps

After the initial appointment, your custom clear aligners are made. These are plastic trays that snap into place. There is one for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth.

The aligners fit snugly on your teeth and are meant to gently shift them into place as you wear them. You will wear your aligners for about 2 weeks before replacing them with a new set of aligners.

Each time you replace your aligners you are gently shifting the teeth so that they move where you want them to.

For Best Results

To make the most out of your Invisalign treatment you should wear your aligners at least 22 hours per day. You should remove them when actively eating or drinking (except for water). 

Brush your teeth after eating or drinking to keep your teeth and aligners clean. Floss your teeth regularly with the aligners off.

You should always wear your aligners when you sleep because teeth can shift overnight. If you don't wear the Invisalign aligners as recommended your total treatment time may increase. 

How Long Does It Take?

The total treatment process depends on the individual but Invisalign usually takes between 6 and 18 months. On average, patients usually wear Invisalign for about 12 months.

During your treatment, you will have regular visits with your dentist to check the progress. You should also stick to a regular teeth cleaning schedule with your dentist.

Benefits of Invisalign

People prefer Invisalign to traditional braces because the aligners are clear. They provide a better aesthetic than metal braces. People may not even be able to tell that you have Invisalign!

The other major benefit of Invisalign is that the trays can be taken out when you eat and drink. You don't have to worry about food getting stuck in brackets and you can eat and drink anything you want while the aligners aren't in. 

Keep reading for additional benefits of Invisalign!

1. Easy to Clean

Cleaning your Invisalign trays is easy. You can brush them with your toothbrush (no toothpaste) and rinse them every time you take them out. You can also use a dental cleaning solution to soak your aligners. This will prevent the aligners from becoming discolored. 

Invisalign trays also make it easier to clean your teeth because you can reach every surface of the tooth. You can brush and floods normally unlike with traditional braces.

2. Faster Results

Invisalign may be able to straighten teeth faster than metal braces. If you wear the trays as recommended, you can get a straighter smile in about a year!

3. No Emergency Treatment Visits

Metal brackets and wires can bend and break requiring immediate attention. Invisalign trays are durable are less likely to crack or break because you don't wear them while eating.

4. More Comfortable

The process of straightening your teeth can be uncomfortable but with Invisalign, teeth shift gradually which reduces discomfort. Traditional braces have to be tightened on a regular basis which can cause pain and discomfort for a couple of days after the visit.

5. Fewer Visits

Having Invisalign limits the number of dental visits you need. Forget about rearranging your schedule every few weeks and simply replace aligners on the schedule provided. 

6. Appropriate for All Ages

Invisalign is safe and effective for children, teens, and adults depending on the severity of their dental issues. Because the aligners are customized for the patient's mouth, age is irrelevant.

7. See Progress as You Go

The clear Invisalign aligners make it easier to see how your teeth are changing from week to week. After the first several months you can already see a difference in the alignment of your teeth.

Not only is it nice to see progress, but it also encourages patients to keep wearing their aligners and stick to the plan.

Want to Try Invisalign?

Now that you know a little more about how Invisalign works and all of the wonderful benefits, are you ready to give it a try? It could be exactly what you're looking for to straighten your teeth and give you the smile you've always wanted.

If you think you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment, contact us to make an appointment. We can answer any remaining questions you may have about the process.

Don't wait - you deserve to smile confidently today!