If you are considering teeth straightening in Oshawa, you might have wondered about Invisalign and if it would provide the desired results. Invisalign is a clear aligner system and is widely used worldwide. The system is based on years of research and development and is renowned for providing predictable results.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Instead of traditional fixed braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays. These trays are made from thin plastic, designed to fit tightly over your teeth, gradually shifting teeth into the correct positions. Once in the mouth, the aligners are virtually invisible, so treatment is very popular amongst older teens and adults who wish to straighten their teeth discreetly.

Treatment is also very simple, as you wear each set of aligners for two weeks, ensuring you wear them for at least 22 hours daily. The aligners are removed whenever you want to eat or drink anything other than water and for regular brushing and flossing. After two weeks, you throw away your current aligners and move on to the next set in the series. The number of sets required depends on the problems needing correction.

What Orthodontic Problems Can Be Corrected with Invisalign?

Invisalign can correct most problems addressed by traditional fixed braces when the system is used properly. These include problems with overcrowding or gaps between teeth and bite issues like overbites, underbites, open bites and crossbites. Sometimes, little attachments that look like tiny buttons are used and cemented onto teeth to help provide more targeted force, producing precise tooth movements where more complex problems require correction. These attachments are made from a type of tooth-coloured resin.

What Is the Treatment Process for Invisalign?

The treatment process is very straightforward. Initially, you will need to visit us at Margolian Dentistry so we can assess how your teeth bite together and identify the problems requiring correction. We also need to ensure that your teeth are generally strong and healthy enough to be successfully moved so they shouldn’t have any signs of untreated cavities, and you shouldn’t have untreated gum disease. If you do have these issues, we will need to address them first before considering any form of orthodontic treatment in Whitby.

Next, your teeth are scanned using a tiny handheld digital scanner, creating a 3-D digital dental impression of your teeth. Invisalign’s proprietary software is used to create your custom treatment plan. The plan identifies how each tooth should move and how far to correct your alignment. We may also take digital photographs; all this diagnostic information can create virtual images showing how your teeth will look once straightened. You can preview these images, which will help you decide if treatment is worthwhile and enable you to get more involved in the planning process.

Once you are happy with the treatment plan, your aligners are created, and we will show you how to insert and remove them and keep them clean. You will need to see us regularly so we can check the progress of your treatment plan, make any tiny adjustments if required, and provide more sets of aligners as needed.

How Successful Is Invisalign?

With good compliance, Invisalign in Ajax can be extremely successful, and the discreet nature of treatment makes it a very appealing solution. These aligners are not entirely invisible, as they create a halo effect around teeth, but are far less noticeable than fixed braces. However, it is important to wear the aligners as directed. Once you complete treatment, you must wear your retainers for the recommended time to ensure your newly straightened teeth remain in the correct positions for years to come.