What is Invisalign? Clear aligners or Invisalign are orthodontic devices that are a transparent, plastic form of dental braces used to adjust teeth. Clear aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. Invisalign is the largest producer of clear aligners. They are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and flexibility. What Do Clear Aligners Do? Clear aligners, or Invisalign, work in a way that helps straighten the patient's teeth without the use of traditional or metal braces and wires. In-office clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can treat a variety of different cases, including: Crowded teeth: That is when the teeth overlap. Overbites: Occur when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth. Under-bites: This happens when the lower front teeth overlap with the upper front teeth. Diastema: There are small or large gaps between the upper two teeth (incisors). Open bites: This occurs when the front upper and lower teeth slant outward and do not touch when the mouth is closed. This is a very rare type of malocclusion.

There are many reasons why a person should opt for clear aligners instead of metal braces, which are the following: Less Discomfort and Pain: They do not cause any irritation to the gums or teeth that are so common with metal braces. Some people might feel some soreness for the first few days as they get used to wearing their trays, after some time, our mouth quickly adjusts. Overall, clear aligners are very comfortable to wear and do not require much adjustment at all. No Food Restrictions: People with braces need to avoid certain food items that include popcorn, gum, or hard candy for fear that the food will get stuck to the braces. This is thankfully not something that people with clear aligners have to worry about. This is because you always take your aligners out before you eat, so there are no restrictions on what you can and can not eat. Flossing and brushing are also easier with clear aligners because you can remove the aligners for that too. Improves Your Self-Confidence: The most common reason for getting clear aligners is the fact that they are clear. When a patient wears aligners, they would not only be able to improve their smile, but they would not have to worry about what people think about the metal braces in their mouth. Treats Most Alignment Problems: Clear aligners are a great solution for a variety of teeth alignment issues. Whether a person has crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, or other issues, there is a good chance that clear aligners can solve it. The most common issues that clear aligners are used to treat include overbite, gapped teeth, underbite, and open bite. Shorter Treatment Times: For teens, clear aligners usually take the same amount of time as metal braces do. For adults, however, aligning trays can usually be completed in as short as 18-24 months. You can also utilize accelerated orthodontic treatments that you can do along with your aligner treatment to speed up the process even more. More Advanced Technology: Clear aligners are designed specifically for a specific person’s mouth. Your orthodontist will utilize the latest in 3D technology to create a full three-dimensional map of your mouth. They will then be able to make a complete step-by-step plan for your treatment, so you will know exactly how the process is going to go. The orthodontist will take impressions and x-rays of the patient’s teeth to know exactly how the teeth are going to get straightened out. The information is then sent to a lab where they will manufacture the aligners according to the orthodontist’s exact specifications and then take those aligners to the orthodontist. The patient can then expect to receive a new and updated set of aligners every few weeks until his or her treatment is completed. How Do Clear Aligners Work? The clear aligner treatment process involves the following steps: Custom Treatment Plan: First, you will visit an orthodontist for a consultation. During the consultation, a dentist will examine your teeth and take a precise digital scan of your mouth. Then a custom treatment plan is made. You will receive a digital preview of your new smile before the aligners are created. Some clear aligner brands also allow patients to mail in molds of their teeth using a “goopy putty” rather than visiting an orthodontist or doctor for a consultation. Aligner Preparation: After the teeth impressions are made, your custom treatment plan will be created using 3D technology. Once approved, the digital models are transferred to a production facility, and the aligners are made. From here, you will accept treatment and begin the process. Aligners' Daily Upkeep: You will change out the aligner trays every 1 to 3 weeks. For effective teeth straightening, you must wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day. Multiple aligners are used because a single aligner is only capable of moving teeth slightly (1 mm or less). Each set of aligners will slowly move the teeth into the correct position. After Treatment: After treatment is complete, a custom clear retainer is made from a mold of your newly straightened teeth. Retainers should be worn every night while sleeping to ensure malocclusion does not recur over time.

Pros and Cons of Wearing Clear Aligners Pros of Invisalign *The aesthetic factor: This is a very commonly cited reason for choosing Invisalign. These clear aligners are much less noticeable than the wires and brackets of braces. *Ease of cleaning your teeth: By removing the aligner, you can easily brush and floss your teeth without having to work around wires and brackets. A study also suggests this can improve your periodontal healthby reducing the number of bacteria lurking around your teeth and gums. *Fewer potential problems: Many people with traditional braces have stories about a bracket that fell off or a wire that broke, leading to an emergency visit to the orthodontist. You would not have that potential problem with clear aligners. Cons of Invisalign *Less effective for complex issues: Invisalign is more effective for people whose teeth require only certain kinds of movement. Your doctor may suggest another treatment option for more complex issues. Additionally, if you have bridgework on some of your teeth, Invisalign might not be the right option for you. *Removal when eating or drinking: When you are eating or drinking, you need to take the aligners out. If you do not, food or drink can get into them. This causes bacteria to grow along with your teeth or gum line, which could lead to cavities. Also, liquid can seep down into them and cause staining of the aligners and your teeth. *Food limitations: You may experience tooth soreness when the aligner is removed, which can limit your food choices. Hard foods, especially, should be avoided.