When people come to Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about Invisalign, one of the first things they ask is how do these clear aligners really work to straighten teeth. Invisalign is based on a simple idea, but the technology behind it is very advanced. Knowing how it works will make you feel better about choosing this treatment for your orthodontic needs. Treatment Options help patients understand the various orthodontic approaches available for their specific needs. Reviewing these Treatment Options ensures a customized plan that supports the best possible results.
Invisalign uses a set of clear plastic aligners that are made just for you and fit tightly over your teeth. Each aligner is designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to certain teeth, moving them into better positions over time. The aligners are made of a smooth, soft plastic that won’t hurt your gums or cheeks like metal brackets and wires can. One of the main reasons so many adults and teens prefer Invisalign over traditional braces is that they’re clear and almost invisible while you wear them.
The first step is a full exam at our Gurnee, Illinois location. To see if Invisalign is right for you, we look at your teeth, bite and jaw alignment. Invisalign can’t fix everything, but the technology has come a long way and can fix a lot of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites. We also talk about your goals and answer any questions you have about the treatment at this first visit.
If we decide Invisalign is the best option for you, the next step is to make a digital map of your teeth that is very accurate. We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to get precise measurements and pictures of your mouth. This digital scanning process is quick and easy and doesn’t require messy impression materials that many patients don’t like. Invisalign’s lab gets the digital scans and uses advanced software and orthodontic knowledge to create a treatment plan just for you.
The treatment preview is one of the most fun parts of the Invisalign process. With the digital scans we can show you a virtual model of how your teeth will move during treatment and what your smile will look like when the treatment is complete. You can see what the results will look like before you even start wearing aligners with this preview which is called a ClinCheck. You can see how each step of tooth movement looks so you can track the treatment schedule and stay motivated.
Once your treatment plan is set, Invisalign makes all of your custom aligners. Each aligner is a little different from the one before it. This is done to slowly move your teeth into their final positions. You will wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set. To work you need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. You can only take them off to eat, drink anything other than water or clean and floss your teeth. All About Braces provides an overview of how braces work, the different types available, and what patients can expect during treatment. This resource helps individuals feel informed and confident about choosing All About Braces.
The aligners work by moving the teeth in a predetermined way and applying controlled force. Each aligner applies pressure to certain teeth that need to move at that point in the treatment. Your treatment plan says that certain teeth will move at different times as you go through your series of aligners. Invisalign works because of this sequential movement. The aligners are designed to do more than just move teeth; they also get the roots in the right place which is key to long term results.
You will have regular check-in appointments at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry every 6-8 weeks during your treatment. We will check on your progress throughout each visit to make sure your teeth are moving as planned. We will give you your next few sets of aligners and answer any questions or concerns you may have. These appointments are usually shorter and less work than adjustment appointments with regular braces since there are no wires to tighten or brackets to examine.
Invisalign works differently because it uses small, tooth-colored bumps called buttons or attachments. These are little bumps glued to select teeth to help the aligners hold on and move the teeth in a certain way. Not all patients need attachments but they are often used to make treatment more effective. The attachments are made of composite material that looks like teeth and is hard to see. At the end of treatment they are removed.
Because you can take out your Invisalign aligners you have to wear them all the time. Invisalign only works when you wear the aligners, unlike regular braces that work all the time since they are attached to your teeth. You have to be disciplined and dedicated to do this. If you often forget to wear your aligners or take them out for long periods of time your treatment will take longer than intended and may not work as well as you want it to.
The length of treatment depends on how complex your case is. It could take 6 months to fix simple problems but 18 months or more for more complex ones. Your teeth will slowly move into place during treatment. Many patients start to see changes in the first few weeks which can be motivating and help them stay motivated to wear the aligners all the time.
You will need to wear retainers to keep your beautiful smile after your active treatment is complete and your teeth are in their final positions. Teeth naturally want to move back to where they were before so retainers are important to keep them in place. We will give you clear instructions on how to use your retainer and work with you to make sure your beautiful new smile lasts a lifetime.Schedule an appointment today!