Invisalign® clear aligners have become a favorite alternative to traditional braces over the last several years. People love them for their ability to straighten teeth without the need for using attention-drawing metal brackets and wiring.

Even so, there are still those who are skeptical about Invisalign’s abilities, but according to Bradley M. Stewart DMD, a family dentist in Olive Branch, MS, this is only because they do not fully understand the process. Once it’s explained, most prefer to straighten their teeth this way if possible.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Straighten Teeth?

The first thing your dentist will do when you decide on Invisalign is design a series of aligners custom fitted to your teeth that will be based on a predicted map of changes in your teeth’s positions over the course of treatment. You will typically wear a set of aligners for two weeks (20 to 22 hours per day), which will cause your teeth to slightly shift positions, and then you will be given a new set to continue the straightening process.

Patented Thermoplastic Design

While traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply force and move your teeth, Invisalign incorporates a patented thermoplastic design. The main difference between the two is that with the aligners, dentists are able to control where force is applied at any given time and which teeth are allowed to move.

Length of Treatment

On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12 months; however, this can vary depending on the severity of the person’s teeth misalignment. Usually, your dentist will be able to provide you with an expected time span after they map out your treatment.

If you are ready for a straighter smile and want to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, contact the office of Bradley M. Stewart DMD today. Schedule your appointment by calling (662) 893-5800. To learn more about this family dentist and their teeth straightening services, you can also visit their website and Facebook page.