If you are thinking of correcting your smile, you’ve likely heard about Invisalign® treatment—or seen pictures of people putting clear trays over their teeth. This method is meant to straighten crooked teeth as unobtrusively as possible. The guide below answers some other questions you might have about this process.

What to Know About Invisalign

How does Invisalign correct teeth?

Dentists will create aligners specific to you that apply pressure to move your teeth into place. You will wear them in a series—with each set creating a minor difference to your smile—until it is perfect. Usually, final results are achieved within 6-18 months. 

What does this process involve?

Your orthodontist will first take X-rays and impressions of your teeth and mouth and use 3D monitoring to plan out how they should move to get them into the correct position.

They will then create alignment trays that you will wear for approximately 20 hours a day and switch out every two weeks or so.

You may be asked to return to the dental office every six weeks to allow your orthodontic team to track your progress.

How is it different from braces?

Braces straighten your teeth by gluing wires and metal brackets to your enamel. Since braces are irremovable, you will wear them on a constant basis for about two years. Invisalign®, on the other hand, blends in with your teeth and is barely noticeable.

You slide them out when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth, which keeps food from getting stuck like it can with braces. To clean them—which you should do when you brush your teeth—remove the trays to brush and rinse them with luke-warm water.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The aligners' virtual invisibility is often its most-touted benefit. You may forget you are even wearing anything and people will not notice them as easily either.

Also, you do not have to worry about any irritations in your mouth, such as those caused by a loose wire or broken bracket. The smooth, BPA-free plastic will not scratch or cut into your mouth.

If you're interested in Invisalign®, contact the team at Delgado Orthodontics of North Richland Hills, TX. These professional orthodontists serve residents throughout Tarrant County, improving the lives of kids, teens, and adults by helping them smile their brightest and fullest. Learn more about their offerings online. Book a consultation visit by calling (817) 282-1821.