Treatment of misaligned teeth may involve a process that could be long and uncomfortable. Traditionally, the only option for straightening teeth was through the use of metal braces, which corrected alignment over the course of months or years. For those who need orthodontic treatment but who want to avoid metal braces, Invisalign may be an option.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized type of dental treatment that corrects issues with the teeth. Bite problems can occur due to crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw that affects the way the mouth closes. An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist who evaluates the mouth and determines the need for correction. He can then order and apply treatment to correct tooth problems, which may be done using braces or other products.
Identification
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic appliance that aligns the teeth into correct position. It is clear, making it barely noticeable to others. Invisalign is created for each patient after a set of impressions is made of the teeth. An orthodontist fits a patient with an Invisalign appliance, which must then be worn for at least 20 hours a day. Invisalign slowly moves the teeth into the correct position at a very small rate. The aligner is exchanged for a new one after two weeks. The total number of aligners used for treatment may be between 20 and 30, and patients usually complete the process in less than one year.
Functions
Invisalign is used for several types of dental issues, but only a dental practitioner can determine if it is appropriate for specific situations. Align Technologies, the producers of Invisalign, state that some types of dental problems Invisalign corrects include teeth that are crowded together; too much of a gap between teeth; treatment of an overbite, when the upper teeth protrude too far over the lower teeth; or treatment of a crossbite, when the front or sides of the teeth do not close together between the upper and lower jaw.
Benefits
Invisalign offers benefits that metal braces cannot. Braces are fixed to the teeth for the period of time they must be worn, and they cannot be removed. Braces may also be uncomfortable, specifically after treatments where they are periodically tightened; they may also cause irritation to the mouth. Because braces are fixed to the teeth, not all surfaces of each tooth can be reached when brushing, as the braces cover a portion of the tooth enamel.
Considerations
Invisalign does not work to correct severe dental malformations or multiple dental problems. It is also not designed for use in children. Wearing the device may affect a person's speech. The patient who commits to wearing Invisalign must follow her dentist's directions carefully and agree to comply with orders for wear. Otherwise, the treatment will not produce desired results.
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