Invisalign 101

Over the past few years, almost 60% of Canadians have reported that straighter teeth help them feel more confident in their appearance. In fact, approximately 4 million North American adults rely on orthodontic treatment, and nearly 1 in 4 people begin wearing braces after the age of 21.

One of the biggest reasons for this spike is that quality dental care is easier to access than ever before with modern advancements in orthodontic treatment. For example, with Invisalign, computer-generated moulds can realign crooked or unevenly-spaced teeth in a way that is virtually invisible, making braces a flexible and hassle-free treatment option!

This article will explore how Invisalign is changing the dental landscape for patients looking to upgrade their smile with confidence by going over the pros and cons of Invisalign, as well as what you can expect from starting your Invisalign treatment.

How Does Invisalign Work? 

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can align your teeth into straighter rows – but what does that actually mean?

To put it simply, Invisalign relies on a system of clear aligners, created from scans and moulds of your mouth taken by your dentist, in order to reposition your teeth. Instead of forcing your teeth into a new alignment, Invisalign works instead by gradually shifting your rows of teeth over time with a set of custom-made moulds that are replaced periodically.

Invisalign is best for anyone looking to improve their smile or rearrange their teeth into straighter rows. From correcting misalignments in teenagers without affecting their self-consciousness to offering a flexible procedure that doesn’t require you to wear highly-visible metal braces, Invisalign is the perfect way to take control over your own dental health

Invisalign vs Braces: What’s the Difference?

Both traditional braces and Invisalign are designed to help align your teeth for a straighter smile and better oral hygiene. However, while traditional braces have been around for decades, Invisalign is a newer option that may be better suited to modern-day dental needs.

Some of the biggest differences between Invisalign and braces include:

Clear vs Visible Care

While traditional braces are made from metal wires and elastic bands, making them extremely visible in your mouth, Invisalign aligners are made from see-through BPA-free plastic, making them indistinguishable from your teeth to anyone who doesn’t already know you’re wearing them.

Convenience

Traditional braces are a permanent fixture in your mouth. Meanwhile, Invisalign braces can be removed at any point throughout the day.

Treatment Length

Traditional braces must be worn for an average of 2 years by most patients. Invisalign, however, can have a treatment period as short as 6 to 18 months.

A Closer Look at the Invisalign Process

While the Invisalign process may vary depending on your personal situation, there are still a number of key milestones you can expect from your treatment.

• Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, one of our dentists will speak with you one-on-one about your individualized treatment plan. We will also go over your questions and expectations with you to help you feel more prepared.
• X-rays and Photographs: Next, your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth, teeth, and face from a variety of angles in order to put together a detailed outline of your mouth as a base for your new set of Invisalign braces. They may also take images of the relationship between your jaw and cheekbone through a lateral cephalometric X-ray. Lastly, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to get their exact shape ready for your new braces.
• Preparatory Work: Some patients require small, removable composite patches made of the same material as your fillings applied to each tooth in order to help their new aligners grip firmly onto their teeth. Some patients may also need to undergo the interproximal reduction process, which will create more space between crowded teeth in your mouth by sanding away enamel.
• First Fitting: Once your Invisalign braces are ready, your dentist will review the fit of your new aligners, and may try out a few different options before finding the best one for your treatment. It is normal for your new aligners to feel tight and strange around your teeth, as long as you are not experiencing any pain.
• Changes to Your Mouth: Lastly, after a few days of getting used to the uncomfortable feeling of your new aligners, your teeth will begin to shift into their desired rows. During this period, you may experience enhanced sensitivity, along with slight changes to your speech. Once your teeth get used to their aligners, these effects will subside, leaving you with the results you want!

Maintaining Your Invisalign Aligners

Caring for your new Invisalign accessories is a fairly straightforward process. You should be changing your aligners every 1-2 weeks (depending on your treatment plan), and each aligner should be thoroughly cleaned every morning after waking up and night before going to bed in order to keep them free of bacteria.

Make sure to clean your aligners with a wet toothbrush or Invisalign cleaning crystals – no toothpaste needed! Additionally, rinse your Invisalign attachments and trays after every meal, along with your Invisalign retainer if you have one.

Lastly, soak your aligners in a dental cleaner when you take them out before leaving them safely in their Invisalign case in order to make sure they stay clean and fresh before going back into your mouth!

Why Choose Skymark Smile Centre Clinic for Invisalign

As trusted dental health providers for so many of Mississauga’s families, our team at Skymark Smile Centre understands the importance of good dentistry and oral health. With competitive rates and a range of cutting-edge treatment options, Skymark Smile Centre is staffed by a team of highly experienced dentists that can offer comprehensive care for your entire family.

If you’re looking for a team to support you through your Invisalign process, Skymark Smile Centre is the right clinic for you! Our dental professionals are here to answer any questions you might have about the Invisalign process.

Contact us today to get started!