Here at Winchester Orthodontics, we have seen Invisalign become increasingly popular over the past number of years. Invisalign is a means of resolving the issue of misaligned teeth using a set of clear plastic aligners. It was invented in the late 1990s, and has grown in prominence over the years to become the orthodontic treatment of choice for many people.
But, how does it work, and what are the reasons for so many people opting for this treatment? Here, we explain everything you need to know so that you can make an informed choice about whether or not it is the right orthodontic appliance for you.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign, or as people sometimes misspell it, Invisaline, is a means of correcting the teeth using clear plastic aligners. If you decide to choose this treatment we will start by examining your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate.
Many of our patients are suitable for Invisalign in Hampshire, but there are some cases in which we would recommend an alternative form of treatment. It’s also important that your teeth and gums are in good condition before we start, so we’ll check on that too. If there are any issues, such as gum disease – we will treat these before you get your aligners.
The aligners that you get are custom made for you. We do this by taking impressions of your teeth before the mould is created – this allows us to provide you with aligners that are a perfect fit. You will then be required to wear them for the majority of the day, every day. This is vitally important, because if they are not worn for around twenty hours each day, this can affect the results at the end of the treatment – and we want to make sure that your teeth look as good as they should!
What are the benefits of this treatment?
In days gone by, getting the teeth straightened was purely the preserve of teenagers and young people. Today, however, people who didn’t get the opportunity to do this in adolescence are now able to have their teeth corrected later in life. Many of these people don’t want the whole world to know that they are wearing braces, and worry about feeling self-conscious in social or business situations.
Invisalign in Hampshire is often seen as the answer to issues regarding feeling self-conscious. Although the aligners are not completely invisible, they are barely detectable as they are made from clear material. This means that you can get on with your life whilst the teeth are straightened, without having to worry about what others think.
The aligners are designed to be removed during meal times, which is a significant advantage. Unlike some other forms of orthodontic treatment, you don’t have to worry about what you’re eating or drinking – or change your habits at all. All you need to do is make sure that your teeth and gums, and your aligners are kept clean and that they are replaced after eating.