How Invisalign® Works

Everyone who is considering wearing braces gets really excited when they hear about the new Invisalign® braces. With the invisibility offered by these aligners, who wouldn't love to get Invisalign® instead of regular wire/metal braces? Invisalign® braces are clear and are replaced every two weeks with a new set. Although this might make it a tad bit more expensive, the advantages provided by Invisalign® outweigh the associated cost. But how does Invisalign® work?

As a first step, Dr. Mary Swift will have a look at your teeth and your bite, taking x-rays and intraoral and extraoral photographs. We then use 3D imaging computer technology to see whether Invisalign® braces can be effective on your teeth. Once its determined you are a suitable candidate, the doctor will create a treatment plan for you. This plan will show you how your teeth will go from "crooked smile" to "perfect smile"!

Invisalign® corrects your teeth slowly through a series of transparent trays called aligners. Invisalign® braces are clear and are replaced once every two weeks with a new set. It is nearly impossible for anyone to notice that you are wearing braces. Invisalign® is comfortable as well since you remove the aligners when you are dining - unlike metal braces. Also since Invisalign® aligners are not fixed permanently, you won't have to worry about cleaning your teeth either - your oral hygiene will remain unaffected. You will have to wear each set of Invisalign® aligners for approximately two weeks, at least 20 hours/day. You remove them only when you want to brush, floss, eat and drink. Each individual set of aligners will actually move your teeth through 0.25 millimeters per aligner. As you replace these aligners every two weeks, your teeth will gradually move week by week until they have straightened out into the final and desired position.

Visits to our office are important every six weeks just to make sure that your treatment is on schedule and as per plan. The total treatment time for Invisalign® braces ranges from anywhere between three to fifteen months - a very short time frame when compared to conventional braces. The average number of aligners that have to be worn during the treatment time is anywhere from eighteen to thirty depending on your individual case. Invisalign® braces are not only more effective than typical braces but they are typically less painful as well. In the case of people who play contact sports, Invisalign® aligners are far less risky as they won't cut or injure the inside of the mouth as might the metal brackets or braces.

Invisalign® aligners can be the solution to all your "smile" problems! If you think yourself an Invisalign® candidate, call us at (214) 739-8888 for a free Invisalign® consultation today!