Adults should not believe that they are beyond Invisalign or braces treatment just because it fully sets their teeth in their jaws and can no longer move.
The truth, it’s never too late to change the straightness of your teeth. The biggest benefit of choosing Invisalign over braces, is you straighten your teeth without attracting attention.
WHAT IS AN INVISALIGN AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without using metal braces. They are a series of custom-made clear braces that cover your teeth and pull them into the proper position under pressure.
Clear Invisalign aligners are customized trays made of a plastic called ‘polyurethane resins’.The biocompatible material is strong enough to gradually shift the teeth through pressure but comfortable enough for even older people to wear.
For Invisalign to work, any patient needs to wear them 20 to 22 hours each day. The customized aligners apply pressure on the areas that need fixing and drift the teeth into position. Wearing Invisalign aligners is not painful, but you may feel a little pressure when you get aligners for the first time. The typical turnaround time is from 3 to 4 weeks.
HOW DOES THE INVISALIGN PROCESS WORK? STEP-BY-STEP
1. Consultation
Invisalign treatment process corrects multiple orthodontic problems like overbites, crossbites, gapped teeth, and underbites. Adults seeking Invisalign in and around NYC need a consultation to determine if they are suitable candidates for Invisalign aligners.
2. Diagnostic records
The diagnostic process begins with gathering information on how your trays are made. Few photographs are taken of your face and smile, along with a couple of X-rays. An iTero Scanner will get a 3D replica of your mouth.
After the information is gathered, they upload the files to the Invisalign site providing lab technicians with instructions on how the aligners are made.
3. Getting your clear aligners
It takes one or two weeks for your clear aligners to arrive in the orthodontic office, and that is when you come for your first placement appointment. Adjustment to a few of your teeth may be needed for the Invisalign to fit. A few tooth-colored attachments may need to be placed on your teeth to help facilitate certain tooth movements.
Before leaving with your first set of trays, ensure you know how to put them in and take them out. The orthodontist will also teach you how to care for the Invisalign.
4. Follow-up appointments
Occasionally, you may need a follow-up appointment for a new set of trays and periodic check-ups on Invisalign treatment progress like tweaking some ‘button’.
5. Final refinements
This step means your teeth’ alignment may need a few tweaks to get optimal results. The reason for refinement is often because during the Invisalign process the teeth need corrective movements to get to the final position.
6. Button removal and retainers
Once your teeth are aligned properly, the Invisalign process is complete, and the buttons are removed. Your orthodontist will give you retainers to ensure that your smile doesn’t revert to the previous misalignment.
HOW LONG DOES AN INVISALIGN TREATMENT TAKE TO STRAIGHTEN?
Invisalign treatment takes an average of 12 to 18 months. Sometimes it may take up to 3 years because of factors like;
- Whether you select Invisalign treatment or an off-brand clear aligners
- Experience of your Invisalign orthodontist
- Complexity and severity of your condition
- Your compliance with the treatment regimen
DO I QUALIFY FOR INVISALIGN?
Any adult with the motivation and the patience to go through the Invisalign treatment qualifies for an Invisalign. However, patients who smoke and are unable or willing to stop during the treatment may not wear Invisalign.
Adults who may not possess manual dexterity which is required to take the aligners on and off may not qualify for the Invisalign.
REASONS ADULTS SEEK INVISALIGN TREATMENT
1. Confidence
A friendly smile is huge self-esteem and confidence booster. Your smile is one of the best ways to connect with friends and strangers.
2. Overall health
Preventing oral health problems like gingivitis, and periodontal disease improves your overall health.
3. Dental health
Keeping oral hygiene is important to protect the teeth from accumulating plaque in your teeth leading to decay and damage.
PROS AND CONS OF INVISALIGN TREATMENT FOR ADULTS
Pros
- The aligners are worn for about one or two weeks at a time and created at the onset of treatment based on the orthodontist’s prescription. This means you know exactly how many aligners you will wear and for how long.
- Invisalign aligners are removable making them more convenient.
- The aligners are virtually invisible which is important for most patients as they are not easily visible.
Cons
- Invisalign aligners are easy to lose unlike braces if not stored safely in their cases.
- You need self-discipline for the best results. Forgetting to wear your aligners will slow your Invisalign treatment.
Contact Us
For a complimentary consultation with Amazing Smiles, check out our three locations throughout the New York metro: we are located at 100-25 Queens Blvd, Queens, NY – 2078 E 65th St., Brooklyn, NY – 545 Central Ave, Cedarhurst, New York.