An increasing number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment, and it is not uncommon to find parents wearing braces simultaneously with their teens. However, while fixed metal braces remain a good solution, most adults would prefer something more discreet and a system that is easy to use, such as nearly invisible removable braces.
One of the most popular nearly invisible braces systems is Invisalign. It is a solution often recommended by dentists in Whitby for patients looking to straighten their teeth discreetly. Many people will already know someone who has used this system, and it provides predictable results when used as directed by your dentist.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Traditionally, braces have metal brackets cemented onto tooth surfaces powered by wires and elastics, gradually moving teeth into alignment over months or years. While effective, the brackets, wires and elastics are highly visible and require quite a lot of work to keep them thoroughly clean and to protect the teeth from tooth decay and gum disease during treatment.
Invisalign is very different and is a removable braces system. It is easy to use and fits into any busy schedule without spending a lot of extra time on oral hygiene. Invisalign does not use brackets or wires, instead consisting of thin aligners fitting tightly over teeth. The aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic and are virtually invisible. You need to look quite closely to see them in the mouth.
How Does it Work?
When you see our Invisalign dentist in Oshawa, we assess your suitability for treatment and take detailed digital photos and impressions of your teeth. These photos and impressions are used to create your custom treatment plan using Invisalign’s specialized software. When the treatment plan is ready, we review it with you, showing you virtual 3-D images of how your teeth will look once realigned, so you become involved in the planning process. Once the plan is finalized, we create your aligners, and you begin treatment.
Each aligner is designed to place gentle yet precise pressure on teeth, gradually moving them into the correct positions. The aligners are custom made using advanced computerized technology, and you wear each set of aligners for two weeks. Once this time is up, you throw away that set of aligners and start wearing the next set in the series. You continue treatment in this way until your teeth are straightened into the positions identified in your treatment plan.
Caring for Your Teeth During Invisalign Treatment
Looking after your teeth during Invisalign treatment in Ajax is super simple. Whenever you want to eat or drink anything other than water, you remove your aligners. Unlike fixed braces, there is no need to change your dietary habits or avoid anything very crunchy or sticky that would be difficult to remove. You can brush and floss your teeth the same as before, without using any special tools to clean around fiddly brackets and wires. The lack of fixed brackets means there is no risk of tooth discolouration and no increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
You will need to visit Margolian Dentistry regularly to make sure your teeth are straightening properly and provide more sets of aligners as needed. These visits should be relatively quick as there are no wires to adjust or tighten.
How Long Does Treatment Take to Complete?
Some people will complete treatment relatively quickly, especially when only the front teeth need realigning. Treatment may be completed in a matter of just a few months. Usually, most people will complete treatment within a year, but it can take longer to address more complex orthodontic problems.