How Invisalign moves your teeth
We live in a world driven by commodities and efficiency. In dental practice, that is no different. For years, dentists and researchers have been looking for ways to carry out dental treatments better, faster, easier, and more comfortable.
Although most orthodontic treatments have proven to be effective alternatives to treat teeth mispositioning and dental malocclusions, traditional fixed braces have limited aesthetics that compromise the appearance of the patients.
Invisalign could be the solution to these problems, allowing you to have an aesthetic and comfortable orthodontic treatment, almost invisible to others. But, you could be wondering, how does an invisible treatment, like Invisalign, moves your teeth? Don’t worry. We’ll tell you all about in this article.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses transparent, removable, custom made aligners to fix problems on teeth positioning and bite issues.
They were developed in 1997, and since they’ve become a powerful tool to induce teeth movement while being relatively thin and transparent. The material used for its manufacturing is a strong semi-elastic plastic that provides its rigidness and invisible look at the same time.
How does Invisalign work?
Every orthodontic treatment works under the same basic principle: inducing the teeth movement by putting pressure into the teeth, with specific angles and equipment, to move them slowly but continually. With constant pressure, the teeth rotate, angulate, and move to the desired final position.
However, unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign moves your teeth by using plastic traces instead of metal wire and elastic bands.
Planning and evaluation
First, the dentist carries out a detailed and methodic evaluation of your teeth and bones, taking radiographs, photographs, and bite impressions. With all that information about your teeth and mouth, the professional can understand all the biting problems, their sources, and the steps needed to fix them.
This step is particularly crucial because every type of malocclusion problems can lead to different treatment alternatives. Therefore, there are multiple factors and elements to consider during the planning and evaluation of the Invisalign treatment.
Making the aligners
After the evaluation, the dentist obtains a digital replica of your mouth and teeth, whether it’d be by scanning a gypsum cast from dental impressions or by scanning the teeth directly with an oral scanner. Modern scanning and 3D reconstruction technology allow the professional to analyze your biting problems and design the Invisalign aligners with the aid of specialized software.
The software makes the aligners in a strict and specific sequential order, with customized angles, shapes, attachments, and every other feature required to induce the desired movement. Then, the customized trays are printed, trimmed, and polished for use.
Once obtained, you must use the Invisalign aligners in a specific order between 13 and 17 months, for a minimum of 20 hours per day, seven days a week. And this is an essential factor in treatment success.
In conclusion, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment alternative that allows you to correct your biting problems. It provides stunning results without compromising your appearance but requiring constant and dedicated compromise.
Do you have questions if your situation can also be improved with a transparent aligner? Contact us and we will discuss your wishes and possibilities :).
