When it comes to having misaligned teeth, the assumption can often be that you will need to have fixed metal braces. While this may be necessary for those with more complex alignment issues, it is not true for everybody. There are many different discreet treatment options available as the world of dentistry evolves and technology advances. One such treatment is Invisalign and a dentist Richmond may recommend this if you have an alignment issue such as a crossbite, over or underbite, gapped or crowded teeth.
I’ve never heard of Invisalign. What is it?
Invisalign is a treatment that consists of transparent plastic aligners. They are worn over the teeth and being clear plastic, only the teeth should be visible to other people. This means that you can have your aligners on at any time of the day or night, and you will be able to continue with your life as normal. The aligners push the teeth into the correct position and this can take between 6 to 18 months on average. You will need to change your aligners every couple of weeks and your dentist will provide you with the aligners you will need for 6 weeks, before you have your dental check-up and get more of them then. The aligners are made bespoke for your mouth, so they should be ultra comfortable to wear. Dentists will use an iTero digital scan to map the measurements of your mouth and these will be sent to the Invisalign laboratories, so that your aligners can be made to measure. They can also show you an animation of how your teeth will appear at the end of the treatment, before you even get started!
Will I need to wear the aligners all the time?
The great thing about Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners for 2 hours each day. This enables you to take them out at mealtimes, so you won’t have to worry about altering your diet or have to clean the aligners after eating. You will also be able to brush your teeth easily as you won’t have your aligners in your mouth to get in your way. There should also be time left to take them out for other reasons that you can choose. Whether you just fancy a little break to read a book or you want to go and do some sport without your aligners in, the choice is completely yours.
Do I need to realign my teeth?
Aside from an improved appearance, it is far more beneficial to have aligned teeth than not. Firstly, once your teeth are aligned, it will enable you to clean them properly and there won’t be any difficult areas to get to and for bacteria to hide! With misaligned teeth, you may have developed chewing issues or speech difficulties. You may also have developed some jaw pain. By realigning your smile, these problems could also be remedied, which is certainly beneficial alongside having an attractive smile!
Teen and adult ranges
Invisalign also offers a range specifically for teenagers, called Invisalign Teen. This is suitable as long as they have all of their adult teeth. Similarly, adults could be eligible for the adult range. A dentist offering Invisalign would need to examine you to determine the appropriate treatment. If you are offered Invisalign, you can look forward to a hassle-free treatment that is comfortable, convenient, and easy for you to do!
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