What Is Invisalign?

If you need orthodontic treatment but do not want to go through the hassle of classic metal braces, Invisalign could be a great option for you. However, you should learn about its differences and how the treatment works before considering it.

What This Invisible Treatment Does

Invisalign is a nearly invisible alternative to classic metal braces. This highly personalized orthodontic system creates clear plastic aligner trays designed specifically to fit the shape of your teeth.

Your orthodontist gives you your aligners after they are made at the laboratory. These slowly shift your teeth in stages. Eventually your aligners will have your teeth straight and just the way you want them.

How Is It Different?

Invisalign is completely different than braces, and actually works more like a retainer. Your teeth move over time as the aligners help push them into the correct positions.

Invisalign is special in that you can take out the aligners any time you want. You will need to do this every time you eat or brush and floss your teeth. This means that unlike regular braces, you will be able to eat anything you want as long as you take care of your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing afterward.

Because they are not permanently installed on your teeth, you need to be responsible for keeping up with your aligners when you do not have them in. We recommended that you keep them in for at least 22 hours a day for it to be as effective as possible. If you keep them out any longer, it could delay your results and the treatment timeline your orthodontist plans for you.

Types of Invisalign

Invisalign offers multiple types of treatment depending on your own specific orthodontic needs. These types can be used for varying extremes of orthodontic need and for different amounts of time, ranging from just three months to closer to a year of treatment, depending on the case.

Express:  Treats cases with minor spacing and crowding issues. This offers the shortest treatment time of any type of Invisalign products. It is usually only needed for less than six months and is perfect for helping with minor orthodontic needs.

Lite:  Best for more moderate orthodontic cases. Many people use this option if they had braces when they were younger but have not been consistent in wearing their retainer and their teeth have shifted over time. Invisalign Lite is perfect for correcting less severe issues and usually only takes seven to nine months.

Full: T he standard Invisalign product that treats the widest array of orthodontic problems. Used to help more time-consuming cases, it has the longest treatment time out of any of the Invisalign products. But it still hardly interrupts your lifestyle.

Teen:  F or our younger patients who need treatment for the first time. Invisalign makes having braces in school easy, as they will not have to worry about brackets and wires. Used for moderate orthodontic issues, Invisalign Teen is a great option for kids that want a more discreet orthodontic treatment plan.

First: A relatively new product that effectively correct early orthodontic issues in children ages 7-10 who aren’t ready for full orthodontic treatment.

Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign, so if you are interested in learning more about it and how we can help you reach your orthodontic goals with it, contact Dr. Milnor today.