Are you embarrassed to show your teeth when you smile? You’re not alone – crooked or crowded teeth can negatively affect your self confidence. However, the aesthetic appeal of your smile is not the only reason you should be concerned about your teeth. In fact, a crooked smile is often an indicator of malocclusion – or a misaligned bite. Typically, orthodontics (braces) are recommended to help correct bite misalignment. However, many patients feel just as insecure with traditional braces because of their cosmetic appeal, or lack thereof. It’s possible – Invisalign has tremendously impacted the way patients feel throughout their orthodontic treatment.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern-day approach to orthodontics that is used to straighten your teeth. Instead of the traditional metal wires, this method uses nearly invisible plastic aligner trays to gradually shift your teeth. The material is almost completely transparent providing a nearly seamless look at your beautiful smile throughout the entire process.

Are You A Good Candidate?

In most cases, adult or teen patients with mild alignment problems will benefit from Invisalign. Unfortunately, more serious malocclusion may require traditional metal orthodontics. However, every individual’s situation is different so ultimately, your dentist will help you determine if Invisalign would be a good route for you.

How Invisalign Works

The entire process can take from 12 to 18 months depending on your age – typically shorter for adults and longer for teens. Custom-made aligner trays will be supplied by your dentist and, unless your dentist recommends otherwise for you, should be worn for majority of the day (20-23 hours). Every two weeks, you’ll switch out the aligner trays for a new set to continue to gradually move your teeth.

Maintenance & Diet

Many patients find traditional braces difficult to clean around and are often watching the foods they consume to ensure nothing will become stuck or damage their braces. However, with removable Invisalign trays, you don’t have to worry about effectively cleaning your teeth or watching what you eat!