For patients with misalignment, orthodontics can improve both the health and beauty of the smile. Some may feel apprehensive about orthodontics, fearing how metal braces will alter their appearance. Fortunately, there is a clear alternative to traditional metal braces. Do you have questions about Invisalign?

Commonly Asked Questions About Invisalign

Question: Who qualifies for treatment?

Answer: We may recommend the Invisalign system for patients over the age of 16 who have minor alignment problems. We will need to first examine your smile and assess the cause and severity of your misalignment. Major alignment problems may be better treated with traditional braces.

Question: Why should I correct my misalignment?

Answer: Uneven teeth can actually lead to a number of possible oral health problems. First, misalignment makes thorough brushing and flossing nearly impossible, which means food can remain trapped between teeth. As bacteria break down these remaining particles, the teeth are coated in a layer of plaque that increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Alignment problems can also place a lot of strain on the jaw joints, which boosts the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding).

Question: How do clear aligners work?

Answer: The patient will wear a series of custom-made aligners every day. About every two weeks the patient upgrades to a new set as the teeth are corrected. Over the period of about a year the teeth will be repositioned to more optimal placement.

Question: What are the benefits over traditional braces?

Answer: first, the aligners are practically invisible, which means few will be able to tell you’re wearing them. In addition, when compared to braces many people find the aligners to be more comfortable. The ability to remove them before meals means you don’t need to change how you eat.