This treatment consists of a series of virtually invisible, removable aligners that are changed every two weeks for an updated set of aligners. Invisalign provides convenience and the ability to straighten your teeth without needing to put your life on hold.
The Happy Tooth is an accredited Invisalign dentist. We have successfully helped many patients transform their smiles with this orthodontic treatment. A consultation with one of our experienced dentists will help determine if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
How Invisalign Works
Your Invisalign journey consists of a series of clear aligners individually made for your mouth. Your clear aligners gradually move your teeth over time until they reach the final, desired position. The process relies upon computer technology and known responses for tooth movement in the jaw.
The Invisalign computer generates a virtual treatment plan. It identifies the anticipated movement of your teeth over the course of the treatment. The actual movement is then referenced to the predicted movement ensuring an optimal final outcome.
Each set of clear aligners are worn for approximately 2 weeks. They then get replaced with a new and updated set. Your dentist monitors your Invisalign journey and provides you with your new aligners at 6 weekly review appointments.
Your dentist will provide you with instructions and timeframes depending on your case. Generally, your aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a range of benefits. It’s no surprise it quickly became one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available. Below are the main reasons why patients turn to The Happy Tooth for Invisalign:
- Comfort and convenience
- To achieve a straight smile without the metal.
- For the clear aligners that people won’t even notice in their mouth.
- The ability to remove their aligners for eating and oral hygiene purposes
Invisalign has come a long way in the last few years. It is a reliable treatment option for many orthodontic cases.
Invisalign FAQs
Our friendly front desk team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. For quick reference, here are the answers to some questions about Invisalign that we get asked often:
What are Invisalign aligners made from?
They are made out of a patented plastic material called SmartTrack®. After testing 260 different materials, Align Technology, Inc. claims their SmartTrack® material is the material of choice if you want to get the fastest straightening time.
Is Invisalign painful?
It is normal to experience some mild discomfort in the form of pressure in the first few days of your treatment. As your teeth adjust to the pressure placed on them by your aligners, this discomfort should ease.
Will the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Initially, it may affect your speech slightly. Your tongue and lips will need to adapt to the aligners in your mouth. However, most patients report adapting within 2 weeks or less.
What can I drink whilst wearing my aligners?
We recommend that you only drink water whilst wearing your clear aligners. Any other kinds of beverages, including alcohol, you should consume with your aligners out of your mouth.
Can I smoke wearing my aligners?
We do not recommend smoking with your aligners or smoking at all. Smoking can stain your aligners and your teeth, besides the obvious and serious negative health impacts.
What is the best way to clean my aligners?
There are cleaning tablets that are specially designed for cleaning your aligners which you can use to soak them in for 10 minutes daily. You can also clean them with warm water and an aligner brush or toothbrush to get rid of any bacteria and brighten them.
Will I need to wear a retainer after my Invisalign treatment?
Our dentists definitely recommend a retainer, or having fixed wires placed after your Invisalign treatment. Retainers and wires are essential for preventing relapse in which your teeth begin to shift back to their original position.
