If you’re ready to correct gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or a problem with your bite, it’s time to talk with your orthodontist about Invisalign. Invisalign is only available through an Invisalign provider. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and bite, and take digital x-rays. After your examination, and review of x-rays, your orthodontist will determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. Most, but not all alignment and bite issues can be successfully treated with Invisalign. Here’s what to know about correcting your smile with Invisalign.
What Conditions Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign uses alignment technology to correct problems with tooth alignment in teens and adults. It can be used to fix:
- Slanted teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Invisalign treatment from your orthodontist can also be used to correct minor to moderate problems with your bite, such as:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Most people, who are free of gum disease, and who are not missing teeth will find that they are excellent candidates for Invisalign treatment. However, some complex problems may require other types of orthodontic treatment. Very large gaps between teeth may need a combination of alignment, and cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gaps. Severe bite issues may require surgery to treat. Teeth that are severely rotated may also need alternate treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic, alignment trays to gradually shift teeth into alignment and correct bite issues. Unlike traditional braces, in which the archwire that runs through the brackets pulls the teeth into alignment, each set of Invisalign trays is a little straighter than your teeth. By wearing the aligners the teeth are gradually pushed into alignment over time. To correct issues with a bite, Invisalign often uses elastics and what are known as buttons, or attachments.
Buttons are small, tooth-colored hooks that your orthodontist will bond to the outside of the teeth. The buttons allow for precise tooth movements that may not be possible with the aligners alone. The alignment trays will push on the buttons, resulting in a snug fit, and ultimately, more efficient alignment and bite correction.
Each set of aligners is typically worn for a few weeks before you’ll switch to the next trays in the series. Patients who only need a few teeth to be aligned often complete treatment in less than a year. Most patients who need alignment of most or all teeth can expect to complete treatment in less than two years, on average.
After you’ve completed treatment with your Invisalign trays, you’ll need to wear a retainer, just like you would after completing orthodontic treatment with traditional braces. Invisible retainers are similar to your aligner trays and work great! Although you’ll likely wear your retainer most of the day initially, over time your orthodontist will tell you that you only need to wear it at night.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in Andover, MA
At Andover Orthodontics, Dr. Broccoli provides Invisalign treatment for teens and adults. In most cases, dental insurance will cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. If you do not have insurance, payment plans are available. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Broccoli, call 978-475-0450 or feel free to request an appointment online.
