When you visit Aesthetic Dentistry of Noe Valley, we can provide you with Invisalign braces that can straighten your teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. This makes it possible for you to get the smile that you have always wanted without anyone being able to tell that you are in the process of straightening your teeth. While it is true that Invisalign® aligners are not completely invisible, they are difficult to see. Since most people that you encounter never get up close and personal, you will find that most of your friends and coworkers do not even notice them.
The first question that people normally ask us is, “How does Invisalign® work?” It might seem strange that a clear plastic device can move teeth as effectively as braces can, but it is true. After all, both clear aligners and metal brackets with wires use the same principles. Both options move the teeth by applying consistent pressure in a manner that is forceful enough to cause movement, yet gentle enough to avoid damaging the tooth or root structure.
The only difference between the two methods is the tools that move the teeth. With traditional braces, we would secure a metal bracket to each tooth and thread a wire between them. With Invisalign® braces, we make an impression of the patient's mouth and take measurements. Then we send the results to a lab to build the trays.
The patient will wear each aligner in sequence for about two weeks before switching to the net one in the sequence. The teeth will gradually move into place following each aligner in the sequence. Instead of having wires changed or adjusted, the patient simply switches out the aligner for the next one in the series.
Invisalign® braces can be just as effective as traditional ones as long as the aligners are worn for around 22 hours a day. In our dental office, one of the main benefits we emphasize is how aligners are removable. This means that people can eat anything they want without worrying about the food becoming stuck. It also means that people can brush and floss without the use of additional dental tools. This level of flexibility is perhaps the greatest benefit to wearing aligners.
However, it does require a level of commitment to remember to put the aligners back in. Forgetting to do so will increase the amount of time it takes to straighten the teeth. If a patient is absent-minded about these sorts of things, then he or she may want to wear traditional braces or consider an alternative solution. However, if a patient is diligent about wearing aligners, this could be the most convenient way to straighten the teeth.
To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign® braces, we encourage you to call us at (415) 493-9143 and schedule an appointment in our San Francisco dental office. Most people who use this solution achieve excellent results, and we can give you an idea of what to expect after conducting a physical examination and taking X-rays.
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