Invisible aligners are the clear alternative to traditional braces. The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-fitted trays to shift teeth gently into place. During Invisalign treatment, patients wear each clear aligner for 20–22 hour every day, or as directed by our Richmond Hill dentist. About every two weeks, you will change trays to the next one in the series. Clear plastic aligners are removable making it easy to brush and floss and to eat normally. In addition, it is a discreet orthodontic correction, so only you and your oral care providers will know you are fixing your smile.
Better Oral Health: Traditional braces are hard for patients to clean around properly. Without good dental care practices at home, plaque and bacteria can build up around brackets and wires and lead to tooth decay. Removable clear aligners can be taken out when it is time to brush and floss. This gives patients full access to all tooth surfaces, allowing for better at-home dental care and oral hygiene.
Quality of Life: Patients who wear traditional metal braces must make daily sacrifices during orthodontic treatment. Some of your favorite foods like popcorn, apples, and pizza may need to be avoided. In addition, traditional metal braces cannot be concealed. For many patients, metal braces are bulky, unattractive and burdensome. Invisalign is virtually invisible so you can smile freely without feeling like everyone is looking your braces instead of your smile.
Invisalign Process: Conventional orthodontic treatment requires regular office visits and adjustments. If a bracket breaks or a wire pops out, you then have a dental emergency on your hands. Invisalign allows you to have some control when it comes to your orthodontic care. Clear aligners must be worn 20–22 hours each day and switched to the next one in the series every week or two. There will only be six or eight visits to the dentist, and the total treatment course will be much shorter than it would with traditional braces.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every patient who needs orthodontic treatment. If your smile has bite issues, misalignments or crooked teeth, ask your Richmond Hill dentist if Invisalign correction is an appropriate treatment.