Though many people pursue teeth straightening for aesthetic purposes, undergoing treatment with Invisalign® clear aligners or braces serves a greater purpose. Misaligned teeth can result in many other health conditions down the line including cracked teeth, jaw strain, TMJ disorder, and chronic headaches.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Once your orthodontist has approved you for Invisalign®, impressions of your teeth will be made, and a regimen of aligners will be created. The aligners are made from BPA-free plastic and are designed to provide just the right amount of pressure to shift teeth into position. During treatment, patients are typically instructed to wear their aligners 20-22 hours a day, swapping out their aligners every two weeks.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
The total time for treatment depends on the case. Factors that can impact the duration of treatment include the severity of the misalignment, the individual’s response to the treatment, and the patient’s diligence with wearing their aligners. For many patients, Invisalign® treatment can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?
In order to be a good candidate for this treatment, your oral health will need to be generally good, typically with no other ongoing treatments. In order to determine your candidacy, we will conduct a comprehensive dental assessment at our office. This typically includes a review of your dental history, x-rays, and a thorough dental examination. Like traditional braces, Invisalign® can help treat a number of dental misalignments. The applications range from mild to more complex:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gapped teeth
- Overcrowding
- Rotated teeth
When considering your own candidacy, it’s important to be honest about your willingness to adapt your lifestyle and follow all instructions. If you have a tendency to lose items, have trouble keeping up with a daily schedule, or lack the dexterity needed to put the aligners in and remove them, another straightening option may be a better solution. Additionally, Invisalign® is not recommended for smokers, as this habit can result in stained aligners.
Is Invisalign® Painful?
Those who have previously undergone treatment with metal braces are familiar with the often uncomfortable, occasionally painful, experience of shifting teeth. Though some of the sensations will be similar, Invisalign® is known to be more comfortable when compared to traditional braces. Most people adapt to their new aligners within a day or two.
Contact Us for Invisalign® Near New Berlin
Are you interested in straightening your smile with Invisalign® near New Berlin? Our office provides this treatment and many more for a full suite of orthodontic care. Our friendly and experienced dental team is standing by to answer any questions you may have. Call or text us today to schedule your appointment: (414) 328-0704.
