Invisalign has risen in popularity as a convenient and discreet aligner that straightens your teeth without the need for braces or more complex orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional orthodontic braces.
Dr. Li is a licensed Invisalign vendor and has offered Invisalign to Edmonton patients for many years. Patients often have many questions about Invisalign and if it will work for their unique situation. Here are some of the most common questions about Invisalign to help you understand the benefits of this revolutionary tooth realignment system.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign clear braces are a convenient alternative to metal braces and can correct most minor and moderate teeth alignment problems. Invisalign can even treat certain severe issues like malocclusion, overbites and underbites. Most people choose Invisalign to help correct teeth alignment problems, gapped teeth and protruding teeth.
Invisalign aligners are created from a 3D model of your teeth. Dr. Li takes x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image which is then used to map the movement of the teeth in order to achieve alignment. This helps Dr. Li predict how your teeth will move, and allows her to create the many subsequent sets (called trays) that you will swap in and out as part of your treatment plan.
In the beginning patients are issued a custom clear aligner created from the 3D model. The aligner puts pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into alignment over time. A new aligner is provided every two weeks until the desired result has been achieved.
How long does Invisalign take?
The average patient will wear Invisalign for 12 to 18 months. Initial results may be observed in as few as 10 weeks. Some patients need only minor corrections to their smile and may only need to wear Invisalign for six or seven months. The average adult patient can expect to wear Invisalign for about a year.
Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint, and your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to your exact needs.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
It was once thought that Invisalign can’t fix overbites, and in the early days of Invisalign that may have been true, but Invisalign technology has come an incredible way and modern Invisalign treatment may fix certain overbites. Each patient’s overbite is unique and the extent of the treatment required may or may not be solved with Invisalign. There are a couple of key factors in determining if Invisalign can help with your overbite:
- The patient’s age
- How severe of an overbite the patient has.
For patients 12 and under Invisalign can help direct and correct the patient’s bite. Using Invisalign Mandibular Advancement we can pull a patient’s lower jaw in small increments over time, which can help correct an overbite.
In teen and adult patients the mandibular advancement can no longer correct the overbite, but there are other treatment options. Elastics can be utilized in tandem with Invisalign aligners to gradually move the bottom teeth forward while moving upper teeth back.
In cases of a severe overbite, alternative treatments may be necessary to correct the position of the teeth. Dr. Li can evaluate your overbite to determine if Invisalign is the right aligner for you.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign works by straightening your teeth with pressure in order to push them into alignment and proper position. It’s important that your Invisalign trays stay in a fixed and stable position in order to work properly. Mealtime can be tricky because you don’t always know when or for how long you will be eating. If you frequently snack or take a long time to eat, you run the risk of not wearing your Invisalign for the required 20 to 22 hours a day.
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can remove them anytime and have the freedom to eat or drink whatever you want, which is a luxury not afforded to those who wear traditional metal braces. However, it’s important to remember that you need to remove your Invisalign trays anytime you eat or drink. You may leave your Invisalign trays in while drinking water, but all other foods and beverages must be consumed in a timely manner, and while you are not wearing Invisalign.
We recommend planning your meals ahead of time so that you can budget the amount of time you will have the trays out of your mouth. Remember, you must wear your Invisalign 20 to 22 hours a day, so keep snack and meal times to a minimum.
You must also avoid gum while wearing your aligners. Never chew gum while using Invisalign!
After every snack or meal, be sure to brush your teeth before putting your Invisalign trays back on. You do not want to trap food or drink particles in your teeth, where they can damage your Invisalign trays or cause cavities. Be sure to practice proper daily oral hygiene.
If you have additional questions about Invisalign, contact our care team or click here to contact us now for a personal consultation and treatment plan.
