What is Invisalign, and How Does It Work?

Misaligned teeth are one of the most common issues among dental patients today. It is caused by narrow jaws that cannot accommodate the teeth, causing pressure. This pressure forces your teeth to move out of their normal position.

Misaligned teeth are often painful and can lead to many other dental problems in the future, like difficulty chewing food, the inability to brush all the surfaces of your teeth at once, which can lead to gum disease and cavities.

If you are experiencing pain due to misaligned teeth, contact a dentist in 07070 for an evaluation so that they can help alleviate your pain and correct your alignment issues before they worsen.

What are Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign is a treatment that includes a series of invisible, removable appliances custom-made for your teeth to shift them into proper position over time. Invisalign separates the alignment procedure from the brushing and flossing process that can be messy if done incorrectly.

Invisalign is a clear and removable aligner that gradually moves your teeth into the right position. It starts with an exam and an initial consultation. Then, we map out where your teeth are now and where they should be for you to have a healthy bite.

The Invisalign system uses several aligners that look like thin, plastic trays customized for your mouth to move your teeth into the right place.

You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next one until all the aligners are done. The length of time it takes depends on how many problems we find and how quickly you respond to treatment with each set of aligners. Invisalign is not just for adults but can be used on teenagers as well.

How Does Invisalign Differ From Traditional Braces?

Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth without metal. It uses custom-made, clear aligners designed from smooth thermoplastic that can be removed by the patient at any time for cleaning or to eat or drink. Traditional braces are more noticeable than Invisalign because they use metal brackets and wires that can become uncomfortable after a while due to their rigidity.

Traditional braces also take longer because they require periodic adjustments for them to work properly.

Also, using Invisalign in Rutherford allows you to eat and drink what you want without restrictions.

How Are Invisalign Aligners Made?

These aligners are custom-made and fit over the teeth like a mouthguard.

The Invisalign process has three phases:

1. The orthodontist takes a 3D impression of your teeth and sends it to the Invisalign dental lab.
2. With a 3D image, technicians produce a series of aligners in various thicknesses based on how much space they need for tooth movement in each area. This takes about two weeks per set of aligners.
3. You will wear each clear aligner for 22 hours a day. Invisalign is removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush and floss your teeth as normal.

Aligners are replaced every two weeks on average throughout the Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can treat overbites, underbites, and deep bites.

How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign is a removable appliance, so it is important to take care of your aligners while you are wearing them.

• To keep your Invisalign aligners clean, you should clean them with water after each time you remove them.
• You can also soak your Invisalign aligners in the Invisalign cleaning solution when you are not wearing them.
• Store the aligners properly to avoid damaging them. If your aligners cracks or chip, visit an emergency dentist in Rutherford, NJ, for assistance.
• Remove your aligners when eating and drinking to avoid staining them.

What Happens After the Invisalign Treatment?

Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment, all that is left to do is remove the aligners and get retainers. Our Invisalign dentist will recommend a retainer to help maintain the new position of the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Tailor-Made Smiles any day, including weekends, and our Saturday dentist will take care of you.