Invisalign has been used by millions of people around the world to straighten their teeth. Prospective patients, however, may still have questions about the procedure. Having only been exposed to traditional metal braces for so long, there is still a large part of the population that is asking about Invisalign clear aligners and how effectively they move teeth.
Does Invisalign Treatment Move Teeth? Is It Effective?
Invisalign is a series of removable aligners which are worn day and night for about 20 hours each day. The aligners are changed every two weeks, and over time, the teeth move into their appropriate positions on the jaw with the help of the aligners. Invisalign aligners are created based on the unique movements of the patient and a series of 3D images. The process can take anywhere from six months to two years and results in straight, aligned teeth.
While that may sound great on paper, is it really effective?
Invisalign Uses Natural Processes to Correct Tooth Alignment
A good question asked by many patients is how effective Invisalign aligners are, as well as how long it will take to complete the treatment. The Invisalign treatment system is quite accurate. It uses the natural movements of the teeth to gradually move them into the correct positions. No force is required to move the teeth in the jaw, using only the movements our body is designed for.
The natural movements of teeth are called tooth “tip and roll” movements. What this means is that a tooth will tip to the mesial (or towards the front of the mouth) or distal (or towards the back of the mouth), and it will roll towards the lingual (or towards the tongue) or buccal (or towards the cheek). The teeth will also rotate. While Invisalign aligners are made to be as comfortable as possible, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the dentist to wear them properly.
How Long Should You Wear Invisalign to Get Results?
The amount of time it takes to complete the Invisalign treatment will vary from patient to patient. It will also depend on how serious the tooth alignment issues are. However, the average Invisalign treatment will take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. It is important to note, however, that it is not necessary to wear the aligners for the entirety of the treatment time. It is normal for the dentist to slowly remove the aligners during the treatment process.
Consult Your Dentist to See if Invisalign is Right for You
The general rule of thumb is that Invisalign is recommended for people with a mild to moderate degree of malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) and moderate to severe crowding. These conditions have been treated with a success rate of more than 80% with Invisalign. Keep in mind that if you have a severe case of tooth crowding or misalignment, Invisalign will likely not be an effective solution for you.
Conclusion
Invisalign aligners are a great solution for straightening teeth. They are convenient, comfortable, and effective. They are also less expensive and less invasive than traditional metal braces, making them a great choice for patients who are nervous about going through the treatment. If you have questions about Invisalign, it is recommended that you consult with your dentist.
If you are interested in getting Invisalign or braces in Manassas, come and visit Solarte Orthodontics. We offer a range of orthodontic treatments for adults and children. Work with some of the best Invisalign dentists today!
