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Are you in need of straighter teeth, but do not want to go through with metal, bulky braces? You are in luck; Invisalign is invisible, removable and comfortable. No longer will you have to avoid straightening your teeth. A lot of people have crooked or slightly crooked teeth and can't stand the thought of wearing metal braces that are extremely noticeable. Wearing metal braces can often be associated with childhood, which makes straightening your smile more difficult as an adult or teen. With Invisalign, no one will be able to tell that you are wearing your aligners, making them great for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without altering their lifestyle. If you are a candidate for Invisalign, you can improve your smile's appearance discreetly while straightening your teeth. What is Invisalign and how does it Work? Invisalign was introduced to dental care by Align Technologies in 1999. It is a series of invisible, clear, plastic aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth, designed to move your teeth gradually into their desired position. Today, Invisalign has become the leading brand of orthodontic appliances, primarily because the aligners are removable and more esthetically pleasing than conventional metal, wire-bracket dental braces. Your dentist will take a set of impressions and photographs of your teeth during your initial consultation. The impressions are used to create a three-dimensional computer image of how your teeth can gradually move. This will help in the development of a series of custom-made aligners designed to accomplish the gradual shift in your teeth. Manufactured at the Align Technologies dental laboratory using computer-aided design processes, Invisalign aligners are custom made to meet your individual needs. Your dentist will dispense your aligners in groups of one or two at a time during your regular check-ups, so that your treatment process is properly managed. Each aligner should be worn for the specific amount of time indicated by your dentist and must be worn for about two weeks. During this time period, your teeth will move in small increments of about .25 millimeters to .33 millimeters. Treatment time will depend on the specific alignment problem you may have. Invisalign Treats Several Mild Dental Problems Not all cases of misaligned or crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign, but your dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment option. Conditions that Invisalign can be used to treat include: • Overly crowded teeth - When your teeth are too close together that there is not enough room for them to sit in a straight line
• Widely spaced teeth - When the space between your teeth is so wide that there are unwanted gaps between your teeth
• Overbites - When your upper teeth stick out further than your lower teeth
• Under-bites - When your lower teeth stick out farther than your upper teeth
• Cross-bites - When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned
• Mild relapse - After traditional braces are removed, some relapsing tooth movement may occur Invisalign is not for everyone, but with proper consultation with your St. Louis cosmetic dentist, you can come to an appropriate solution for your smile. Only a dentist can determine the right treatment option for creating a straighter smile. Don't hesitate; achieving your desired smile is easier than ever before.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading St. Louis dentist, Dr. James Maxwell. Specializing in a wide array of services including laser teeth whitening, laser dentistry, and Invisalign in St. Louis among several others, makes Dr. Maxwell the best choice for quality dental care.
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