|
If you are a teenager or an adult in need of straightening your smile, but don't want to wear noticeable, traditional braces you are in luck. Whether you are getting married, have a new job, going to a reunion or simply enjoying your summer vacation, you can now easily straighten your teeth without anyone even noticing! Invisalign enhances self-esteem and physical confidence through an esthetic and barely visible alternative to wire braces. The clear aligners are manufactured using advanced computer technology that predicts tooth movement, making it possible for the removable orthodontic appliance to gradually straighten teeth. How it Works The process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign begins with a set of impressions and photographs of your teeth, which are used to create a three-dimensional computer image of how your teeth will eventually move after each session. Through the impressions and images, a series of custom-made aligners are designed to accomplish the gradual adjustment. Your Invisalign aligners are manufactured at the Align Technologies dental laboratory using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Once created, the aligners are sent to your dentist who will dispense them in groups of two or three at a time during regular check-up appointments so that your treatment is properly managed. The removable aligners are designed to be more esthetically pleasing than conventional braces for treating certain types of minor orthodontic problems including: * Overly crowded teeth
* Widely spaced teeth
* Overbite/overjet
* Crossbite
* Mild relapse
* Simple bite irregularities Why Invisalign? One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is its clear aligners that make treatment nearly invisible. Many patients want to repair their crooked smile, but are reluctant to temporarily alter their appearance with metal braces. Invisalign trays are clear and discreet, which means your smile will get straighter without anyone knowing. With Invisalign, your teeth will change, but your lifestyle doesn't have to. Invisalign allows you to participate in sports and other activities without having to worry about cutting your lips and gums on sharp wires and brackets. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can brush, eat and floss normally, or simply enjoy a special occasion. As long as you wear your aligners for the required number of hours every day, you'll have the flexibility to remove your aligners as needed. Invisalign for Your Teen Not only does Invisalign work for adults, it is a successful alternative to conventional braces for teens. Invisalign Teen consists of a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are designed to help teenagers maintain their self-esteem and confidence. Invisalign Teen can accommodate your teen's active lifestyle while addressing their orthodontic needs. Invisalign Teen combines the benefits of the Invisalign system with new features, such as a Blue Dot Wear Indicator that fades when the aligner has been worn for the specified amount of time and is ready to be replaced with a new set of aligners. In addition, Invisalign Teen aligners contain eruption tabs to accommodate the growth of second molars, along with other features that address clinical needs common to teenagers.
Take the next step in improving your smile, and talk to your Richmond, VA dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen. Not all cases of misaligned and crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign. It is up to your Richmond dentist to determine the best process for straightening your teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Richmond, VA dentist, Dr. Robert Steadman. Since graduating from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, Dr. Steadman has been in private practice for 20 years. He has also taught part-time at MCV Dental School, lectured statewide, and written articles for dental journals on topics such as Richmond implants.
|
