Invisalign is one of the most popular dental treatments in Australia. Over six million people in the country have benefited from this treatment. With its unobtrusive nature and excellent results, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
But how does Invisalign work? From the outside, it seems like the treatment is just a few strips of clear plastic. That’s why many people wonder about the technical details of the treatment.
Want to learn about how Invisalign works and can help create a beautiful smile? We’ll cover the fitting, production, and function of Invisalign to help you understand exactly how this works. Read on to find out more.
Making Invisalign
Every set of Invisalign aligners is individually tailored to each patient. Since everyone has a unique set of teeth, much thought goes into creating a unique set of braces.
Before any clear aligners are ordered, your dentist will consult with you, digitally scan your teeth and collect more information about what you want to achieve. There are no messy impression trays, it’s all done digitally, and the software even models what your teeth will look like once the treatment is complete. That’s why your initial consultation appointment for Invisalign will likely be your longest one.
Making the Invisalign clear aligners is something of a high-tech procedure. Each set is made using 3D image scanning technology, which is performed during your initial consult. Once the dentist is happy, and the patient accepts the treatment plan, the clear aligners are made using the 3D printing method you may have heard a little bit about.
After the lab makes the aligners to exact specifications, the Invisalign set will be sent back to your dentist’s clinic. There, they will be inspected to make sure they are exactly the right size and will fit in your mouth correctly.
Fitting Process
Many people worry about the Invisalign fitting process. They may have heard horror stories about other kinds of braces or worry they’ll be subject to the same bad experiences. But Invisalign doesn’t just look good; it’s easy to fit and use too!
The first fitting appointment might take a little longer than some other appointments. This gives your dentist a chance to see if everything is working as it should and make sure the patient is not experiencing too much pain or discomfort.
You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and get tips on maintenance and dental hygiene.
Teeth Alignment using Invisalign
Once the Invisalign is in place, it can begin doing its job, pushing teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign applies pressure to set the teeth in a slightly different position, ensuring they align straight.
The braces only apply pressure to certain teeth. This helps to get more specific results and create a clearer overall picture.
You might think this process of applying pressure to teeth would be quite painful. In fact, it’s a barely noticeable process that, while sometimes slightly uncomfortable, is rarely painful. Pain sometimes occurs immediately after the fitting process, but the wearer should be pain-free thereafter.
Minor pain can be managed with mild pain relief, like panadol or neurofen, But if Invisalign braces are causing persistent pain, you should contact your dentist for a readjustment as soon as possible.
Day-to-Day Life With Invisalign
Once Invisalign has been fitted, it requires minimal maintenance. Your dentist will help ensure the aligners are working properly by providing a new set every one or two weeks. This changing process will require a new visit to the dentist, which should last between 30 minutes and an hour.
As your teeth adjust to the pressure of one set of Invisalign aligners, they need slightly different pressure points to ensure they keep going in the right direction. This is where the skill of an experienced dentist comes in!
The process of fitting and refitting Invisalign should take around 12 months. If only a few teeth are out of alignment, the process could take a far shorter time.
Regular appointments when your new aligners are ready are necessary to ensure the Invisalign is working correctly and provides the opportunity for the dentist or treatment coordinator to check progress. As Invisalign is less obtrusive than traditional metal brace maintenance, there is no uncomfortable tightening of the wire bans.
Once the Invisalign wearer has been shown and is comfortable inserting the aligners, they typically don’t need much further ongoing assistance. To help it stay clean, Invisalign aligners should be removed when eating or drinking, except clear fluids, like cold water. But to ensure the teeth correction process isn’t too heavily disrupted, it should be reinserted right after a post-meal brush. This has the added benefit of promoting good oral hygiene.
Invisalign wearers have no restrictions on what they can eat and drink! Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign can be easily slipped off the teeth. Afterwards, the wearer is free too much on chewy food if they like.
How is Invisalign Invisible?
The clue’s in the name! Invisalign is made from a clear material that barely shows when you smile. But how come it’s see-through?
Invisalign plates are made from clear plastic. It’s just like the material you might see in a video game controller or a storage crate. But this material is specially moulded using 3D technology to ensure it’s just right for your teeth.
Get Quality Teeth Straightening Today
Invisalign may be a simple and easy process, but the results don’t lie! This highly effective dental treatment can improve smiles via straightened teeth.
If you’re looking for a quality general and cosmetic dental service, we can help. We have years of experience and all the know-how to ensure friendly, efficient and professional service. That’s why we’ve attracted so many five-star reviews on Google!
And don’t worry. We welcome plenty of nervous patients, and we’ll do our level best to put you at ease when you come for an appointment. Contact us today and find out more about the services we offer.
