Like traditional braces, Invisalign® is designed to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth and gaps. Instead of periodically having wires tightened like with braces, Invisalign® patients are given a series of near-invisible aligners. Each successive set of aligners is designed to push the patient's teeth closer to their ideal alignment.
One of the advantages of Invisalign® is that it can be taken out when a patient needs to eat or brush their teeth. However, this advantage can quickly become a disadvantage when patients are non-compliant. Most dental professionals advise their patients that they need to wear their Invisalign® trays as close to 23 hours per day as possible.
Because it is easy to remove Invisalign® at any point, some patients go for several hours without wearing their aligners. Even in this relatively short period, it is possible to lose progress. Each time a patient goes without aligners, teeth can shift back to where they were before treatment. When done frequently, this can result in Invisalign® treatment not working.
Invisalign® can be used to correct almost every issue that traditional braces can. However, for certain severe issues, a patient's dentist may recommend alternative treatment. For patients with the following issues, Invisalign® may not be effective:
Before prescribing Invisalign® or a similar orthodontic treatment, a dental professional will thoroughly examine a patient's teeth to see whether Invisalign® is the right option.
When used correctly, Invisalign® will not cause tooth problems. Patients do need to be very careful to brush their teeth before putting aligners back in. Because aligners fit very tightly to the teeth, they stop saliva from reaching the teeth's surface. Without saliva, food particles cannot be efficiently broken down, and plaque, cavities and other dental issues may occur.
In order to avoid potential problems, Invisalign® patients should make sure they brush and floss their teeth after eating and before placing the aligners. The prescribing provider will usually go over optimal dental hygiene with a patient before fitting them with their first set of aligners.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in Alexandria, VA.
Patients who have been wondering, "Does Invisalign® really work?" may be relieved to know that with careful compliance and good dental hygiene, the answer is almost always yes. For patients interested in Invisalign® for achieving a better smile, it is a good idea to reach out to a dental professional to make an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Are you in the market for a new cosmetic dentist? This type of dental professional is a fantastic resource when you want to adjust how your smile looks and functions. Cosmetic dentists undergo general dentistry training to properly treat patient's teeth and gums. They can make your smile more aesthetically appealing while also ensuring that…
If you are seeing an orthodontist to improve your smile, there are many areas to look at and consider. You are getting orthodontic treatment so that you can feel happier about your appearance. Part of this may involve correcting jaw abnormalities and how these are linked to the alignment of your teeth. Jaw growth can…
Scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist helps you get closer to receiving your dream smile. Cosmetic dentists offer various services to address everything you do not like about your teeth. Whether one tooth is causing the problem or all of them, they have what you need.A cosmetic dentist can brighten anyone's natural teeth up…
Are you in the market for a new cosmetic dentist? This type of dental professional…
If you are seeing an orthodontist to improve your smile, there are many areas to…
Scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist helps you get closer to receiving your dream…
Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin…
While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires…
Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about…
