Invisalign® has become a popular treatment option in cosmetic dentistry. If you want to straighten your smile without using traditional braces, these invisible aligners are often ideal. However, before asking your dentist about the treatment, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with how it works. Here’s what you need to know. 

A Guide to Invisalign 

What is it?

Invisalign uses clear aligners made of flexible plastic. They are custom-made for each patient and mold perfectly over the teeth to gradually straighten them. As the teeth move, the aligners are replaced with slightly different ones to continue adjusting them until they’re straight.

What’s the treatment process?

Every patient begins the treatment with a cosmetic dentistry consultation. The dentist will evaluate your smile to map out a digital rendering of your smile’s transformation. After taking a mold of your teeth, they will create aligners that patients wear for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Every one to two weeks, the aligners will be traded for a new set. The entire process takes about a year to 18 months; however, every patient is unique, so ask the dentist for an estimate.

What are the benefits?

First, unlike braces, there are no brackets or wires. This reduces discomfort, sores, and the restricted diet that braces require. Second, because the aligners are clear plastic, they aren’t noticeable, allowing patients to transform their smile without others knowing. They are especially popular among adults, as many professionals don’t want to wear metal brackets.

Who is a good candidate?

Invisalign is better suited to patients who want to make relatively small adjustments to their smile. Braces, on the hand, are for more severe cases, such as if a patient needs to rotate their molars or canines. However, common issues like an underbite, overbite, or gapped teeth can be fixed via this treatment. 

If you want to learn more about Invisalign, contact the team at Syracuse Straight Smiles. They offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family. Serving Onondaga County, NY, their staff members provide industry-leading dentistry treatments. Visit them online to learn more about their cosmetic dentistry services. Call (315) 628-8373 to schedule an appointment.