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How Does Invisalign Work?

invisalign

Misalignment not only affects your appearance, but can have a negative impact on your oral health as well. Uneven teeth in some cases increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, TMJ disorder, bruxism, and more. However, metal braces aren’t your only option for correcting alignment issues. For a clear alternative you may enjoy orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear braces. How does Invisalign work?

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Braces

Question: What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Answer: Braces rely on metal brackets that are placed on the front of the teeth and connected to an arch wire. The dentist or orthodontist adjusts the tension to move the teeth to a more optimal setting. Invisalign doesn’t use brackets or wires. Instead a series of clear aligners will be made from BPA-free plastic. The patient wears the aligners to correct misalignment. In addition, the aligners don’t cause the gum and cheek irritation that us often experienced with traditional orthodontics. Patients then enjoy a shorter and more comfortable treatment period.

Question: How often do I wear the clear aligners?

Answer: Patients wear the clear aligners between 20 and 23 hours a day, every day. The entire treatment process usually takes about a year for adults and a year to 18 months for teens, depending on the severity of the alignment issues. However, they can be removed before meals or special occasions.

Question: Will I need to change how I eat?

Answer: Actually, you will not need to change your diet or avoid certain foods. With metal orthodontics, sticky or hard foods pose a risk to your braces and oral health. However, the aligners can be removed before meals and placed back in afterward. You can also do this before brushing and flossing, which makes thorough dental maintenance easier and improves your smile health.

Question: Who qualifies for clear braces?

Answer: Typically patients must be over the age of 16 and have minor alignment problems. We will need to examine the teeth and jaw to make sure clear braces is the best choice for correcting the problem. Otherwise, the patient may better benefit from traditional metal orthodontics.

Do you want more information on Invisalign? Then talk to Dr. Nikki Green or Dr. Ryan Knight about improving the function and health of your smile with clear braces. Please contact our Fort Worth dental office today to schedule your consultation.

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