How Do Invisible Aligners Work?
Invisalign is the fast and virtually invisible way to get a healthy bite and upgrade your smile! This treatment straightens alignment problems without relying on metal components. But how do they achieve their long-lasting results?
Discover how Invisalign straightens teeth and gives you the smile of your dreams! Schedule a free exam at Lund Orthodontics to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
How Are Aligners Different from Other Orthodontic Options?
Modern clear aligner technology is more efficient and effective than ever before, making them a popular option for our patients. Invisalign is a durable plastic that doesn’t easily stain or discolor. Patients enjoy fewer food restrictions, easy maintenance, and more freedom with Invisalign.
Simply wear your Invisalign aligner for 20-22 hours every day. During your treatment, you will receive replacement aligner sets. Every seven days, you will need to change your aligner set. Aligners gradually change to help tweak your smile into its most ideal shape.
No matter where you are in life, it’s always a great idea to start your smile journey. Invisalign produces effective results for teens and adults. You may be surprised to learn many of our patients are adults looking to glow up their smile.
Some patients who need more than routine adjustments — such as major bridgework or large gaps — will benefit from treatment with metal or clear braces. The clear aligner experts at Lund Orthodontics can help you determine whether Invisalign is right for you.
How Do Invisible Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign aligners are made of a patented flexible plastic and are designed to gently reposition your teeth over time. During your free exam, we will carefully evaluate your unique bite. Using a 3D scanning system and x-ray technology, we will create a computerized model of your teeth.
Then we use that model to build prediction outcomes using these scans and data from millions of successful Invisalign users. This process helps us strategize long-lasting results for you. And the next time you see us, we’ll have your first set of aligners ready to go!
Invisalign aligners get switched out every seven days to bring your teeth into place. Applied pressure from the aligner set works through the roots of the teeth and then the jaw. The jaw responds to this pressure by moving your teeth into a more natural position.
Invisalign should be worn at least 20-22 hours a day, which gives you plenty of time to eat, clean, and floss without your aligners in. On average, Invisalign users only need to check in with us every 12 weeks. When you come to the office for an appointment, we will check your progress and strategize your next steps.
Invisalign aligners don’t always work by themselves. Sometimes, to help move your teeth, you may need extra assistance with components:
Attachments
Clear aligners are not physically attached to your teeth and need to be secured to something to be effective. Attachments act as an anchor for the aligners, allowing them to apply pressure to the teeth. The attachments are tooth-colored bumps that bond to teeth. Their shape and position depends on your desired alignment needs.
Elastics
Depending on your alignment needs, you may need the help of elastics. Elastic bands apply extra pressure to shift the upper and lower teeth further. These small rubber bands are either secured to slots in the aligners or attachments that are bonded to the teeth.
Contouring and Resizing
If the natural shape of your teeth does not fit properly in clear aligners, some minor contouring and resizing can help you become a more ideal candidate for Invisalign. Tooth shaping is not always necessary for clear aligners, but it may help counteract overcrowding and eliminate the need for tooth extractions. These procedures are painless.
Schedule a Free Exam with The Invisalign Diamond Plus Experts
Clear aligners are great for patients who want a beautiful and healthy smile but don’t want easily visible braces. However, people with pronounced misalignments may need to opt for traditional or clear braces.
The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Kirkland, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, or Smokey Point to see which treatment matches best for your needs and lifestyle goals. Call us or text us to learn more, or make an appointment for your free consultation now! We can’t wait to start your smile journey with you!
