Does Invisalign Work?
Clear Braces Are Becoming Increasingly Popular, But Do They Actually Work?
Does Invisalign Work? This is one of the first things our patients usually ask.
Having straight teeth and a perfect smile is a long held dream for many people. However, there is this idea that exists that if you didn’t take care of crooked teeth as a child, it’s too difficult to straighten them as an adult. And since there is a stigma about having braces as an adult, many people simply accept their situation, albeit with some sadness and regret.
But this doesn’t have to be the case! Invisalign orthodontic treatment is changing the game for many adults. Invisalign seems to be the best of both worlds — offering a discreet alternative to metal braces and achieving the lifelong desire of straight teeth. It almost seems too good to be true! (It’s actually not.)
We get asked all the time if Invisalign actually works. And while every person’s treatment is different, we thought we’d answer the most common questions we hear.
What exactly is Invisalign and how does it work?
At South Surrey Smiles, we will start by taking a digital scan of your teeth (no impressions required with our latest technology equipment!). Then, our orthodontic specialists will move your teeth digitally through an innovative computer program which will determine the required number of aligners to reach the ideal position for your teeth.
These aligners/trays slip on over the teeth and are designed to apply pressure in specific spots to start moving the teeth around the mouth. Little by little, shifts begin to happen. After a couple of weeks, the teeth will be in their new position and the client will move on to the next tray in the series. Again, this will slip over the teeth, but will now apply pressure in different areas, continuing to move the teeth toward straight.
Is it important to see an Orthodontist or can I just go see my Dentist?
Although the name, “Invisalign” might sound the same no matter where you have your treatment done, the customized treatment plan and outcome can be very different. It is extremely important that you see a Certified Specialist (Orthodontist) when you are considering orthodontic treatment because Invisalign is not only about straightening the teeth, it is about producing a result that will last. This means that your bite needs to be right, which is why Orthodontists have 3 years specialty training after becoming a dentist. Just think to yourself, would you have your general doctor perform open heart surgery on you? The answer is no. When it comes to our bodies and our health, it is important that we have specialists who know that specific part of the body inside and out. And when we look at correction of the bite and alignment of your teeth, Orthodontists are the specialists who can take care of you best!
How long will it take?
The treatment time can vary and will depend on each individual patient according to their needs. We treat people with a wide range of misalignment and malocclusion so we develop a custom treatment plan for each patient with a series of aligners specifically for each and every person. What we can say is that the treatment will go quicker and be more effective if the client follows the rules. These rules are:
Wear the trays as often as possible — at least 22 hours a day. The only time they should be removed is when eating, drinking and brushing/flossing. The more time you wear them, the better, so that the trays can do their job most effectively.
Keep them clean — make sure to brush the trays gently each time you remove them to brush your teeth. Avoid using hot water to clean them as it can warp the plastic. Typically, you will not wear an Invisalign tray for more than 2 weeks so they stay pretty fresh!
Consult your orthodontist with any questions — perhaps you’re playing an aggressive sport or you have misplaced your tray, get in touch with your orthodontist. In order for Invisalign to work, the client has to stick to the plan, but that can mean working together when questions arise.
So, Does Invisalign Actually Work?
Invisalign technology has advanced significantly and is capable of correcting many bite problems. That being said, not everyone is a candidate. At South Surrey Smiles, we will only recommend Invisalign treatment if it is the best treatment option for you. The flip side is, we need you on our team! If you are a candidate for Invisalign, we need patient compliance which means you will need to follow instructions and wear the aligners for the required amount of time each day in order for the treatment to be effective.
One thing we find with most adults embarking on this path is that they are fully ready and excited about the end goal — the perfect smile they’ve always dreamed of. We have very few clients who don’t commit to the plan because what would be the point of that?
We are proud of our patients and the beautiful smiles we achieve together. If you have any questions about whether Invisalign is right for you, give us a call to book a consultation and let’s get you going toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Dr. Williams, an orthodontist in Surrey, and the South Surrey Smiles team are dedicated to providing the South Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding communities with consistently exceptional orthodontic care, creating a fun, relaxed practice where you can feel truly at home.