Invisalign® is an effective, comfortable and popular alternative to braces for delivering a gorgeous smile. Instead of requiring long-term affixation as braces do, these custom trays are removable. Individual follow-up visits do not take long at the dentist’s office, and the results after treatment are undeniable.
Invisalign® trays are designed digitally based on careful analysis of the patient’s mouth. Each tray features minor adjustments in tooth alignment that gradually help mold teeth into the desired smile. Liners are changed every one or two weeks as teeth move into proper alignment.
The first visit gives dentists the opportunity to speak with patients and determine the goal of treatment. This visit is also the time to perform a digital mapping of the patient’s mouth, including current tooth position and bone structure. Dental professionals use digital x-rays, photographs and dental molds to build a precise 3-D impression of the mouth. This helps them to design a treatment plan that is used to create unique Invisalign® trays for each step of the alignment process.
It is recommended that patients wear liners for approximately 20-22 hours a day. This helps teeth move in the correct direction as quickly and consistently as possible. The liners are made from a special type of clear thermoplastic that is designed to be practically invisible during the day.
Patients can remove the trays easily to eat meals and drink any beverages without problems. Trays can also be removed before brushing or flossing. Even though they are designed to be worn all day long and during sleep, Invisalign® liners are specifically crafted to provide a comfortable fit.
Dentists schedule follow-up appointments approximately every four to six weeks. This gives them the opportunity to make sure that the process is progressing correctly, as well as to answer any patient concerns or help make the experience even more comfortable.
The average time that the patient has to continue treatment is from 12-18 months. However, total treatment time varies significantly since no two smiles are exactly the same. When only minor corrections to overbite, underbite or gaps are required, the desired results may appear within six months. When more extensive alignment issues are present, patients may need liners for a longer period.
Dentists inform patients of the estimated time required for alignment changes during the first visit, but final results can depend on several factors:
Small changes are often noticeable within the first two-week period, and by the end treatment, the difference is amazing. Of course, with severe misalignment problems, some patients may require traditional braces instead. These factors are taken into account during the initial consultation.
Invisalign® liners are an excellent option for crafting the beautiful smile of your dreams. They are more comfortable than traditional metal braces and deliver noticeable results in a short time. It is easy for many patients to switch aligners on their own, and dentists are available for assistance.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? Many symptoms are linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, other symptoms are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that a general dentist can diagnose and…
Lumineers® give you a less invasive way to transform your smile than conventional veneers. A veneer is a tooth-shaped cover that is cemented on the front part of teeth. It serves as a mask, hiding any flaws on the front of your teeth.Placing conventional veneers on teeth requires removing portions of enamel from the patient’s…
Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your…
Veneers are a common type of dental restoration and can be used to cover up damaged teeth. Dental injuries, specifically, can occur from just about anything, but a common cause is in the workplace. While most may think of a back sprain or minor burn when it comes to workplace injuries, workplace dental injuries are…