Your Questions About Invisalign® Answered

Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Despite featuring no metal brackets or wires, Invisalign functions much in the same way as traditional braces. For instance, the components of braces apply controlled pressure on the teeth to encourage their movement into a better position. 

Invisalign clear aligners are worn over the top and bottom teeth and are also designed to gradually shift your teeth over time. This alternative form of orthodontic treatment is great for teens and adults alike who want to change the appearance of their smile without the “metal mouth” look. 

After reviewing your specific situation and examining your mouth, our dentists will scan your teeth with our iTero digital scanner to help with the planning stage and eventual creation of your aligners. We’ll then send the information gathered from the oral exam and digital scans to trained technicians at the Invisalign lab who will fabricate your aligners. 

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Ideal Candidates for Invisalign

As mentioned above, Invisalign can be a good fit for teenage and adult patients, but a commitment to treatment is crucial. Because the aligners are removable, some may be tempted to take them out more than they should which can lead to progress delays. 

Our dentists also recommend that patients interested in wearing clear aligners be diligent about cleaning them regularly in addition to daily toothbrushing and flossing. If ignored, your aligners can accumulate bacteria and possibly stain, thus ruining their nearly invisible appearance.

How Long Is Treatment?

Treatment length varies per individual but on average, desired results can be accomplished in 12 months or less. Each set of aligners must be worn for a few weeks. After that time has passed, you’ll proceed to the next set of aligners in the series and continue this process until our dentists see that your teeth have reached ideal alignment.

How Much Should I Wear Each Set of Aligners?

You should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. They are removable but should only be taken out when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. If instructions are not followed or aligners are not worn for long enough, corrections may be necessary which will delay progress.

What Happens Once I’m Done With My Invisalign Treatment?

To maintain the ideal alignment of your teeth and prevent any unwanted shifting, our dentists will give you a custom retainer to use. This is the retention phase of your treatment and while it may seem annoying, it’s a necessary part of keeping the smile you and our dentist have worked hard to create.

Get Started With Invisalign Today

You deserve a beautiful, healthy smile to show off to friends, family, and co-workers. If you’d like to correct your teeth with a metal-free form of orthodontic treatment, our Invisalign dentists in Cadillac, MI, can help. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment and discover whether Invisalign suits you.