How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign has revolutionized the orthodontics industry, making it easier for patients who have crooked teeth to reclaim their smile. However, one of the most common questions dentists get is, "is Invisalign right for me?" The following outlines how these clear aligners work and factors to consider when choosing between metal braces and Invisalign.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign are clear, retainer-like aligners that shift the patient’s teeth into place. These aligners are removable, but dentists insist that patients should wear Invisalign for at least 22 hours every day. The patient has to change his or her aligners once every two weeks for a new pair that continues to shift the teeth into the proper positions. The factors to consider when deciding to use Invisalign include the following.

The severity of the case

Invisalign is more effective for cases that are simple or moderately severe. These include overbite, gapped teeth and crowded teeth. However, if the case is very extensive and severe, dentists recommend getting metal braces. Such cases include crossbites, very crooked teeth and malocclusions. This is because metal braces have wires and bands that can shift the jawline and rotate the teeth.

Is the person self-conscious?

After determining the severity of the case, the dentist can ask the patient whether he or she cares if people find out he or she is wearing braces. Metal braces are very noticeable and can be bulky. This can be an issue for older children and adults who do not want other people to know they have braces. Fortunately, Invisalign is virtually transparent, and most people do not notice that a patient has them.

How disciplined is the wearer?

Invisalign aligners are removable, but the patient has to put them on for at least 22 hours every day. However, some patients may not have the discipline to put them back on after every meal or after brushing their teeth. If the patient does not have much discipline, metal braces may be the better option for them.

Teeth cleanliness

Metal braces make teeth harder to clean, and the patient needs to be more careful and thorough to prevent staining and plaque. However, Invisalign is easy to clean because it is removable. If the patient does not mind spending a certain amount of time cleaning his or her teeth twice a day, then going with braces is ideal However, those who have less time to spare and have concerns about teeth cleanliness should opt for clear aligners.

Number of visits to the dentist

Some people are very busy and would prefer fewer visits to a dentist or orthodontist. With Invisalign, the patient has to get new trays every two weeks. However, with metal braces, the patient can get adjustments every four weeks. Fortunately, some dentists have made the process easier for people who choose Invisalign by giving them more than one set of aligners per visit to reduce the number of trips to the dentist’s office.

Wrapping up

If the patient’s case is not severe, both Invisalign and metal braces can straighten his or her teeth effectively. The right option depends on the patient’s personal preferences. Talk to your doctor and discuss the pros and cons of each option before deciding on the one to choose.

That's not all …

Request an appointment in our Bakersfield dentist office here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com.

Recent Posts

5 Tips To Speed Your Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign has become one of the most popular brands for clear aligners. People with crooked teeth are turning to Invisalign to renew their smile and improve oral health. Although Invisalign is said to be an easy orthodontic treatment, there are still a few things that are important to be aware of. Like all teeth straightening treatments,…

The Truth About Invisalign And How It Can Straighten Your Teeth

There are many misconceptions about Invisalign, including that it only works if your teeth are just slightly crooked. This is far more than a retainer and can certainly help to straighten your teeth, regardless of how crooked they are. In rare cases, crooked teeth need actual braces but this usually due to a severe misalignment…

Are There Clear Braces Options?

Clear braces are the way to go when wanting discreet teeth straightening. These devices make it possible to straighten teeth without having metal wires and brackets fill the mouth. Braces improve the alignment of teeth by gradually pushing them to a better alignment. Treatment times with clear braces are typically somewhere between one to two…

Everything To Know About Adult Invisible Braces

Nowadays, there are a handful of options when it comes to adult invisible braces. Gone are the days when people had no choice but to wear bulky metal braces that can sometimes look more like a TV antenna than a dental device. A mouthful of unattractive metal brackets and braces is no longer a part…


Recent Posts

What To Expect During A Tooth Extraction: A Guide To A Smooth Recovery

What To Expect During A Tooth Extraction: A Guide To A Smooth Recovery

Tooth extraction can be an intimidating prospect, but when recommended, it is a necessary step for maintaining good oral health. This routine procedure removes a severely decayed, damaged, or crowded tooth, alleviating pain and discomfort. Understanding the extraction process and how to recover effectively afterward can make the whole experience much smoother.A general dentist will…

Denture Care:   Bad Habits To Avoid

Denture Care: 4 Bad Habits To Avoid

It might take some time adjusting to your new smile and the proper denture care you should be doing. This is completely normal, but with a bit of practice and some education, you’ll begin to feel like you don’t even have dentures, and everything will be second nature. With that comfort, some people begin to…