Having misaligned teeth with issues such as a crossbite, overbite, underbite or crowded or gapped teeth can be addressed by a dentist. While these problems may not seem like a big deal that you can live with, they can actually harm your self-confidence and your oral health. If you have started to consider how nice it would be to have an aligned smile, you may be wondering what your options are. You may not have wanted to consider treatment in the past if you have only seen fixed metal braces, which wouldn’t fit in with your lifestyle. But there are other discreet options available. One such solution is Invisalign. Invisalign is a clear, removable alternative to traditional braces that can realign your teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of teeth and jaws that are misaligned. Misaligned teeth can lead to several problems, which can include difficulty chewing, speech problems, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, gum disease, tooth decay, and self-esteem issues.
Problems of having mild to moderate misaligned teeth
Some of the most common problems associated with mild to moderate misaligned teeth include crossbite, which is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Another alignment issue can be overbites when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Another problem that can occur is an underbite when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth too much. Alternatively, you may have gapped teeth, which is when there are spaces between the teeth, or you could have the opposite problem with crowded teeth, which is when the teeth are too close together.
These problems can make it difficult to chew food properly, speak clearly, and maintain good oral hygiene. They can also lead to self-esteem issues, so it is important to address misaligned teeth and find the right solution for your specific needs.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign St John’s Wood consists of clear aligners that are removable and should be invisible to other people when they are being worn due to the clear, flexible material that it is made from. It is made up of a series of custom-made aligners that gradually move your teeth into the correct position.
The aligners can also be used as trays for teeth-whitening gel after your Invisalign treatment has been completed. Some dental practices offer this as part of the Invisalign treatment package.
How does Invisalign work?
If you’re keen to find out more about Invisalign, then the first thing you will need to do is to find a dental practice that offers Invisalign and book an initial consultation. The dentist will discuss your goals for your smile with you and will then assess your teeth and jaws to see if Invisalign is a suitable treatment for you. You can ask questions about any of the treatments discussed and you can create a treatment plan together. If you opt for Invisalign treatment, then the treatment plan will specify how many aligners you will need and how long your treatment will last.
Once the treatment plan is complete, you will then be measured for your aligners. Some dental plans use ClinCheck to digitally scan your mouth and get the measurements of your mouth. These measurements will then be sent to the Invisalign laboratory for your bespoke aligners to be manufactured for you. After this, they can also create a digital model of your smile and show what it will look like after the treatment has been completed. Once your aligners have been received by your dentist, you will then be able to start wearing them. You will wear each aligner for one to two weeks, and then you will switch to the next aligner. This process will continue until your teeth are in the correct position. You will need to see your dentist for regular checkups, where you will be given more aligners to use. Typically, you should see your dentist every 6 weeks.
Types of Invisalign treatment
There are four types of Invisalign treatment. Firstly, there is Invisalign Lite; this is normally a treatment used for milder alignment issues, so the treatment time shouldn’t be as long. It ordinarily only targets the front teeth. Invisalign First is a treatment option for children between the ages of 6 and 10; it is designed to broaden the jaw and arches to allow more room for the growth of existing teeth and new teeth that are coming through. There is also Invisalign Express, previously known as Invisalign i7. It is used for the mildest alignment issues and consists of just seven aligners that need to be worn to achieve completed results. Finally, Invisalign Comprehensive is the most comprehensive treatment option for all types of misalignments and is used for more complex cases.
So, if you are looking for a discreet and effective way to realign your teeth, Invisalign is a great option. It is virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable to wear. All you need to do is talk to your dentist to learn more because it’s your time to smile!
