If you are looking to improve your smile, there are many orthodontic treatment options to explore with your orthodontist. One popular treatment is Invisalign invisible aligners. When exploring if Invisalign is right for you, it is important to have all the facts. Here are some popular Invisalign questions answered.
Q: What is Invisalign?
A: Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners, or trays, that move your teeth in a specific sequence that has been prescribed by Dr. Nyberg, the orthodontist.
Q: How do the aligners straighten teeth?
A: Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by Dr. Nyberg, specifically for your situation. Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After one to two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
Q: Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
A: Having Dr. Nyberg as your Platinum Invisalign Provider, means that she has advanced skills and techniques as a skilled practitioner, and when the aligners are worn as per her recommendations, Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for many types of treatment.
Q: Is it easy to keep your teeth clean with Invisalign?
A: YES! Invisalign and Invisalign Teen allow the patient to remove the aligners for eating, brushing and flossing one’s teeth, so it is much easier to maintain proper oral hygiene with this treatment than with traditional braces. The best part is that food will not get caught on the fixed brackets and wires because Invisalign is removable and wire-free!
Q: How much time will I spend at the orthodontist office?
A: Invisalign and Invisalign Teen require very little maintenance and manipulation by the orthodontist, Dr. Nyberg, meaning that you will spend limited time at the office. Once treatment has started, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled about every 10 weeks to monitor how the patient’s treatment is progressing.
Q: What are some other advantages of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen?
A: First of all, Invisalign is virtually invisible. Individuals may not even notice that you are wearing them. In addition, without having any metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Because Invisalign is removable, it is easy to have an active lifestyle, play sports or an instrument. If in sports, a sports mouth guard can fit right over the aligners, or the aligners may be removed while playing. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Also, the Invisalign technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.
Q: What is the difference between Invisalign Teen and Invisalign?
A: Invisalign is typically created for adults, but both have many of the same benefits. Invisalign Teen is unique because it is specifically designed for the needs or type of dentition that is common for this age group of individuals.
Q: What if I do not wear, or my child, does not wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time?
A: The Invisalign treatment is most effective when worn per Dr. Nyberg’s recommendation and worn for 20-22 hours per day – removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. However, aligners may be removed for short periods of time for special events. Just make sure that you wear them every night to maintain their current position. Using the aligners for less than 20-22 hours on a regular basis will decrease the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment.