How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?

Rather than using wire braces to straight teeth, many in Washington, DC or other parts of the country have turned to Invisalign invisible braces to accomplish their goals and improve their smile. Achieving straighter teeth is often one of the best ways to improve self-confidence in one's smile and to boost self-esteem. Crooked or misaligned teeth may be a source of embarrassment for many individuals, leading many to feel self-conscious when they talk or smile. This may greatly affect an individual's personal, social or even professional life and can be quite frustrating and troublesome.

Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made aligners that are made especially for each patient to straighten teeth. The aligners work by gently shifting the teeth into place. A new set is provided about every two weeks to continue the gentle shift until the treatment is complete and the patient is satisfied with the results. The aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable plastic that is virtually invisible so that nobody has to know that you're wearing Invisalign invisible braces.

Each patient is provided an individual treatment plan that includes taking x-rays, pictures and impressions of the individual's teeth. This allows digital 3-D images of the teeth to be created so that the Washington, DC doctor may map out the treatment plan. The doctor may even reveal to the patient how each stage of the treatment will move the teeth so that they may see how the plan will unfold.

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign invisible braces is that they may be removed to eat, brush your teeth, floss or attend social events. This allows the individual to feel more comfortable throughout the process and helps them maintain oral hygiene completely while straightening their teeth, something that may be difficult with traditional wire braces.

Checkups may be required every six weeks or so to monitor progress. Patients still must begin wearing a new set of aligners every two weeks, of course, unless they are told otherwise by the doctor. The entire treatment may take about a year for adults. For teenagers, they may be required to wear them for about as long as they would wire braces, although because clear, custom-made plastic aligners are used and the teeth won't be blocked by wire braces, the teeth should show results sooner. Individuals are always encouraged to discuss questions with a doctor, but should wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day throughout the treatment process.

Learn more about Invisalign in Washington, DC.