Invisalign for Adults
When most people imagine orthodontic work, they envision being a teenager with unsightly braces and retainers. However, it is just as common for adult to receive treatment as it for adolescents. For adults, Invisalign is an excellent choice if you wish to hide your treatment process. Invisalign clear molds can reduce social embarrassment while effectively treating a variety of orthodontic conditions.
How does getting orthodontic treatment as an adult help?
Even though the majority of your dental and jaw growth occurs during your childhood and teenage years, there is still opportunity for you to straighten your smile when you are older. Receiving orthodontic care not only straightens your smile, but it also improves gum and dental health. If you have residual crooked teeth from when you were a child, your orthodontist can recommend Invisalign as effective option to treat your malocclusion.
Orthodontists recommend Invisalign because it offers many benefits such as:
- A bright straight smile to increase self-esteem
- Correct any misaligned teeth that may impact brushing and flossing
- Hide treatment from the public so you can smile without fear
- Removable trays so you can eat and brush without discomfort
Conditions that Invisalign can correct
There is a common misconception that Invisalign cannot treat complicated issues and is used only for minor movement. The clear aligners are capable of straightening the following issues:
- Spaced Teeth
- Overly Crowded Teeth
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Overbite
Consultation
The first step to starting your Invisalign care, is the preliminary consultation. During this time, your orthodontist will discuss your treatment goals and past history. They may image your mouth to assess your current state and placement of your teeth. If your doctor finds that Invisalign is the best course of treatment, they will proceed to the next phase.
Creating your Invisalign aligners
In order to create custom Invisalign aligners, your orthodontist will take x-rays, oral pictures, and a 3D scan of your teeth and gums. These will be sent to Invisalign where your provider will design your specific treatment plan including how the aligners will move your teeth.
Wearing the custom Invisalign trays
Based on your care plan and molds, your doctor will create custom Invisalign clear aligners to wear each and every day for at least 22 hours. The material of the aligners is soft and clear so that the gums and teeth will not become irritated. You should wear them for at least 22 hours and only remove them for eating and brushing. Because they are clear, only you will know that you are receiving orthodontic care.
Two week checkups and refitting
Every two weeks, you will return to have your aligners replaced with a slightly different pair. By changing them every two weeks, your doctor can slowly navigate the teeth into correct position. Your doctor can also fit the Invisalign with a compliance indicator that will keep you on track with wearing it each night. If you have broken an aligner, during your checkups, you can request a new mold. A broken Invisalign does not correct the malocclusion as effectively.
Treatment time
The amount of time that you need to wear Invisalign differs based on each individual case, but your provider can create a estimated time of treatment during your consultation.
Finding an orthodontist that is right for you
It is important that you select an orthodontist who can best meet your aesthetic goals so you do not have to repeat any procedures. You do not need to obtain a letter of referral from your dentist to be able to consult with an orthodontist. Instead you can research local orthodontists and book a complimentary consultation. During this time, the orthodontist will outline potential procedures and choices they offer. You can decide which practitioner is best for your case and continue treatment with their practice.
Orthodontics does not have to be only for the kids. If you want to straighten your smile, there are an array of orthodontists and options for you to choose from. Orthodontic care has progressed in recent years so that it can be far more comfortable for you now as an adult than it was during your teen years.