How Do Invisalign Braces Work?

Anyone who’s ever worn metal braces on their teeth knows how uncomfortable and inconvenient they can be. Having to maneuver around metal wires makes eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing challenging, to say the least. Invisaligns were first created in 1997 as a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Here, a Miami Beach FL dentist discusses how Invisalign braces work. 

What Are Invisaligns?

Invisalign braces offer a more flexible and less conspicuous way to realign teeth that are growing incorrectly. Also referred to as aligners, this treatment works especially well for teenagers who require corrective work. 

Invisaligns use a computer-designed mold that fits overtop the teeth, similar to traditional braces. However, traditional braces use wires that pull your teeth into place while aligners move the teeth into correct positions over time. 

How Do Invisaligns Work?

Invisalign braces consist of a series of molds that are each worn one to two weeks at a time. The molds or aligners are designed to move your teeth in small increments, with each successive mold moving your teeth a little bit further towards their final, corrected positions. This means as you move through each aligner, your teeth gradually become straighter and straighter.

To ensure treatment is progressing as it should, patients will need to visit the dentist once every six to 10 weeks. On average, you can expect the entire process to run for 12 to 18 months. The number of aligners worn during this time varies by case but usually falls somewhere between 20 to 50 molds.

Patients should wear Invisaligns for a minimum of 22 hours per day for the duration of treatment to achieve the best results. 

Invisalign Benefits

The aligners are invisible, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing than traditional wire braces

Aligners can be removed when brushing and flossing your teeth

Aligners can be removed (and should be removed) when eating or drinking

Molds can be taken out for special occasions, such as when having your picture taken

Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisaligns?

While Invisaligns are ideal for teenagers and the delicate issues they deal with during the teenage years, adults can also benefit from wearing them. For teenagers and adults, the metal that makes up traditional braces is not only conspicuous, but downright inconvenient in terms of eating, drinking, and dental hygiene practices. And since teeth are still growing throughout the teen years, getting Invisaligns can help ensure they grow in straight.

If you have more questions about Invisaligns or wish to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to call your Miami Beach FL dentist today!