There is no need to keep that smile hidden while undergoing teeth straightening treatment. Clear aligners have sort of revolutionized orthodontics. And you are here to know more about how clear aligner therapy works.
You have reached the right blog. TruCare is one of the most appreciated dental office for Invisalign braces Roswell, GA. We will explain each step in the procedure and elaborate on the significance of various stages in the treatment.
Step 1: Determining if you are the right candidate
Invisalign comes into the picture if the patient shows signs of orthodontic problems. Clear aligners can treat open bites, underbites, overbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, and overcrowding. Patients suffering from these issues prove to be suitable candidates for Invisalign.
Why do dentists still recommend traditional metal braces-based approaches in some cases? Well, the answer might disappoint you. Clear aligners do not help close large gaps or correct severely angled teeth. On the other hand, the traditional method involves slowly changing the position of affected teeth by pulling them together. Thus, dentists use conventional braces in severe cases.
No worries, your dentist will conduct a checkup and determine if Invisalign braces can work in your favor. During the consultation round, you can also discuss treatment costs, insurance coverage, and finance options.
Step 2: Developing a custom treatment plan
Creating a treatment plan is the second step if you are the right candidate for invisible aligners.
Clear aligners are custom-made to fit in the patient’s mouth perfectly. So, your orthodontist will take molded impressions and X-rays or digital images of your mouth.
Some orthodontic specialists still prefer the old technique. They take a mold of your teeth with impression material and send it to the lab for developing aligners. On the other hand, dental clinics implementing the latest technology use digital impressions. The process is fast and easy. Scans help create a precise virtual model for the patient’s gums and teeth.
The procedure takes just a few minutes. First, dentists simply wave a handheld wand-like scanner in the patient’s mouth to create a digital model. Later, professionals upload these files on the Invisalign website with instructions for the technician.
Dentists plan and place orders for multiple trays. The number of pairs required by the patient differs from case to case. Most trays are designed to move teeth by 1/10mm.
You would certainly like to know the difference between the old-school approach and digital scans. The latter helps in creating trays that fit perfectly. Plus, the software also allows dentists to create a simulation of how teeth will look during various stages of the treatment. Looking at the possible results can undoubtedly help increase your confidence throughout the procedure.
Step 3: Putting the first set of trays in place
The dental clinic receives custom-made aligners within a few days. Then, dentists schedule the appointment for placing the trays accordingly.
Patients feel comfortable wearing them as these trays are designed specifically for their teeth. They are made from thermoplastic polyurethane resin material or BPA-free plastic. Trays are removable. You can certainly remove them while eating or drinking. But wearing them for at least 22 hours each day is crucial.
To ensure aligners remain in place, dentists place pieces of a composite resin material on selected teeth. These pieces are small, tooth-colored, and also known as buttons. They ensure that desired amount of pressure remains applied on the chosen teeth as a part of the treatment. Your orthodontist may also make minor alterations to some teeth while placing aligners.
During the same appointment, dental care professionals train patients on removing and placing aligners back on teeth. The cleaning procedure is explained, and all the sets of trays are handed over to the patient. Training is crucial because the patient has to replace aligners each week.
Step 4: Visit for regular adjustments
Your teeth will change position considerably after a certain number of weeks. Thus, Invisalign aligners require adjustments. Yet, it’s crucial to note that the process is not as complicated as tightening wires and brackets with metal braces. Your dentist will simply give you the next set of aligners and throw away old ones. They might adjust buttons placed on teeth to ensure new aligners fit perfectly.
Step 5: Replacing aligners with retainers
Invisalign therapy ends once your teeth align properly. Your dentist will remove all buttons fit on the teeth and ask you to stop weaning aligners.
Some patients may require aftercare. But, you might wonder, why? That’s because your teeth might slowly revert to the misaligned position.
No worries, dentists always have a plan in place. After proper analysis, your dental care specialist might recommend wearing transparent retainers. These clear trays look similar to aligners and help keep teeth straight.
Following the protocol set by your dentist is vital to maintain results. In some cases, dentists ask patients to wear retainers at all times for a few weeks after removing aligners. Then, after the planned duration, patients need to wear them only while sleeping at night.
The endnote:
Patients often avoided opting for orthodontic treatment due to metal braces and wires. And their decision makes sense. Why keep that metallic smile when you can opt for clear aligners? If you think you are facing teeth alignment issues, feel free to contact TruCare Dentistry. We are one of the most positively rated Orthodontists in Roswell (GA).