Invisalign has become a popular choice for people looking to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of traditional metal braces. At Beaches Dental Mona Vale we’ve helped countless patients achieve straighter smiles with this innovative treatment. But how exactly does Invisalign work? In this article we’ll take a closer look at the science behind Invisalign as well as give you a clear overview of the entire treatment process.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment developed by Align Technology that uses a series of clear and removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. These custom-made aligners are crafted from a smooth—comfortable—and virtually invisible plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are hardly noticeable—allowing you to undergo orthodontic treatment without drawing unwanted attention to your smile.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners are designed to apply precise and controlled force to specific teeth at specific times. Each aligner focuses on moving certain teeth, while allowing others to stay in place. This targeted approach is made possible by the advanced 3D modelling and treatment planning software used by Invisalign providers.
The clear aligners work by applying pressure to the teeth which stimulates the periodontal ligament—a connective tissue that anchors the teeth to the jawbone. This pressure causes the ligament to stretch on one side of the tooth and compress on the other. In response the body produces new bone cells to support the tooth in its new position. Over time as you progress through the series of aligners (typically every two weeks) your teeth will gradually move into their desired positions—resulting in a straighter smile you can be proud to show off.
The Invisalign Process
1. Consultation and Treatment Planning
The first step in your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. Here one of our experienced dentists will assess your smile to ensure Invisalign is right for you as well as discuss your unique orthodontic goals.
During this consultation we’ll also take detailed scans, photographs and X-rays of your teeth which will be used to create a personalised treatment plan for you. Using 3D computer imaging technology we can even show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move throughout the entire treatment and what your final smile might look like!
2. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Once your treatment plan is finalised the data is sent to the Invisalign laboratory where your custom aligners are fabricated. Each set of aligners is precisely designed to apply gentle, controlled force to specific teeth—gradually moving them into the desired position.
3. Wearing Your Aligners
You will receive a series of aligners and each set are to be worn for roughly two weeks before progressing to the next set. It is recommended to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. You should however remove your aligners to eat, drink and play sports as well as to brush and floss your teeth.
4. Monitoring Your Progress
Throughout your Invisalign treatment you’ll have regular check-ins with your dentist at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress and ensure that your teeth are moving as planned—as well as make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Invisalign check-ins are typically scheduled every four to eight weeks, making the treatment process more convenient for busy lifestyles.
5. Maintaining Your New Smile
After completing your Invisalign treatment, the most important thing is to maintain your newly straightened smile. Your dentist will initially provide you with a custom-made retainer to wear at night which will help keep your teeth in their new positions. Your dentist then may change you from the removable to a fixed retainer that sits behind your teeth to maintain your straight smile long term. Regular dental check-ups and a good oral hygiene routine will also contribute to maintaining the longevity of your healthy new smile.
Is Invisalign right for you?
Invisalign is suitable for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Cross bite
- Open bite
With that said, Invisalign may not be a suitable option in some cases, especially in severe crowding cases or patients with complex dental issues. During your consultation at Beaches Dental Mona Vale our dentists will assess your dental needs and health to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. If Invisalign isn’t suitable, we’ll discuss alternative treatment options to help you achieve your dream smile.
Conclusion
Invisalign has changed the way we approach orthodontic treatment—offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. By using a series of custom-made clear aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts your teeth into the desired position, giving you the straight beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
At Beaches Dental Mona Vale our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care and helping you achieve your ideal smile with Invisalign. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a straighter smile contact us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
