Straightening your teeth is a great way of improving the appearance of your smile and the health of your teeth and gums for the future. Dentists recommend that orthodontic treatment is done as soon as your adult teeth have erupted, which is why braces can most commonly be seen used by teenagers; however, if you did not have orthodontic treatment when you were younger, it isn’t too late, and you can still have your teeth straightened. There are many different ways of straightening teeth, and your dentist will be able to help you decide on the right option.
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Invisalign
A popular method of teeth straightening amongst adult patients across the world is Invisalign London. First established in 1999, Invisalign quickly became an excellent alternative to traditional braces. By 2023, Invisalign had already been used by over 14 million patients.
Invisalign is great for patients with mild or moderate orthodontic issues and is an excellent alternative for patients reluctant to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are also great for patients who have straightened their teeth earlier in life but suffered from relapse.
Invisalign can address a range of mild, moderate and more complex issues, such as crooked, overcrowded, overlapping, protruding or gapped teeth and bite disorders, namely crossbites, underbites and overbites. Depending on how complex your issues are, you may need a combined treatment plan, or Invisalign may be effective as a standalone treatment. Your dentist will help you decide what is best for you.
Invisalign aligners
Invisalign works using clear, medical-grade thermoplastic aligners that, as the name suggests, are almost invisible. Each aligner works as part of a sequence and is designed to fit tightly over your teeth, exerting enough pressure to move your teeth in a certain direction. Each aligner works for approximately two weeks and moves your teeth by 0.25 mm if worn correctly, which means they need to be in your mouth for around 22 hours a day. After that, you can keep moving on to the next aligner in the series until you complete the full set. You may need only 10 aligners or up to 50; this varies based on how crooked your teeth initially are.
Firstly your dentist will assess your teeth and gums to make sure they are clean, healthy, strong and free of any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. If you are suffering from tooth decay or gum disease, it is not safe to straighten your teeth until these issues have been addressed. If you suffer from tooth decay, your teeth may not be able to withstand the pressure exerted by the aligners, and this can lead to cracks or fractures in your teeth. If you are suffering from gum disease, once again, the pressure created by the aligners could compromise the integrity of your teeth, affect the process and worsen your symptoms. Your dentist will create a treatment plan to improve your dental health before you begin straightening your teeth with Invisalign.
Next, your dentist will carry out an intra-oral scan of your mouth, which they will use to show you how your teeth will look after they have been straightened with Invisalign. This scan will be used to design your aligners, which can be printed and moulded within a few weeks. You can have the initial fitting done by your dentist, and for the rest of the process, you can continue independently. Each of the aligners will be numbered for your convenience, and they are easy to maintain as they can be cleaned with an ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste, rinsed with cold water and placed back in your mouth.
Advantages of aligners
Invisalign aligners allow you to enjoy all your favourite food and drinks and maintain excellent dental hygiene because you can remove the aligners before meals and brush your teeth before reinserting them. They are so discreet and convenient that no one will have to know that you are straightening your teeth unless you wish to tell them. You must follow the guidelines so that the process comes along successfully and you can enjoy excellent aesthetic results and a healthy smile for the rest of your life. Speak to your dentist today to find out more.