How Will Invisalign Help Me Get Straight Teeth Without Braces?
The Invisalign system straightens teeth just like braces—by slowly realigning and rotating teeth into a better position—but instead of brackets and wires, it uses a sequence of clear removable trays instead. For many patients, Invisalign has three main benefits:
- Convenience: For patients who want to get straight teeth without braces, one of the most significant benefits of Invisalign is that it's removable, so it won't impact your lifestyle.
- Clear: Many patients, particularly adults, want to find the most discreet treatment option possible, and thanks to Invisalign's clear plastic trays, this option is nearly invisible.
- Comfortable: Invisalign slowly and gradually moves teeth which makes it easy to get used to the slight adjustments with each tray. The trays are made of smooth plastic, so they shouldn't cause discomfort by irritating the tissues in your mouth.
How Does Invisalign Work
Each Invisalign tray is custom-made from high-quality, nearly invisible, BPA-free plastic that is resistant to staining and discoloration. Each aligner is worn for a set period of time (usually two weeks) and then replaced with the next tray, which is slightly straighter. Gradually, your teeth will shift into their optimum positions.
For common issues, like too much spacing between teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, or crowding, Invisalign can be a great way to straighten teeth.
How Do I Get Started with Invisalign
During your FREE initial consultation, we'll take xrays of your teeth to determine the right treatment plan for your individual bite issues and goals. At Molen Orthodontics, we have the ability to use advanced 3D cone-beam xrays when needed, making our treatment plans highly accurate and completely tailored to each patient's needs.
You wear each Invisalign retainer tray for 22 hours a day but, unlike braces, you can remove the trays to eat or drink anything besides water and for brushing and flossing. If you play contact sports that require the use of a mouthguard, you can swap the trays for your mouthguard while you're active. As long as you're wearing your aligners regularly, you can even temporarily take them out for a special occasion.
How Long Does it Take to Get Straight Teeth Without Braces?
If you choose Invisalign, you can very likely expect the same treatment time as you would with braces. For most patients, this is between 12 to 24 months. Of course, depending on your unique case, treatment length could vary. Don't forget that complex issues can take longer than more straightforward cases.
If you'd like to learn more about whether Invisalign is the alternative you've been looking for, you can schedule a consultation with our team.