Some people prefer fixed, traditional orthodontic systems. Particularly if there are areas of significant tooth movement to be made. When that’s the case, you can elect to wear conventional braces or replace them with tooth-coloured ceramic brackets.
Improving your tooth alignment can reduce excess strain at specific points throughout your smile, allowing teeth to function more efficiently. In turn, properly aligned teeth are less likely to cause TMJ pain or disorder. When teeth line up correctly, they’re statistically less likely to develop areas of gum disease or decay between them.
Straighter teeth also enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile. If your teeth are relatively healthy but have minor crowding or gaps, investing in Invisalign could help your smile look its best without any extra dental work.
If you’re considering Invisalign or another clear aligner system (SmileStyler, ClearCorrect, Quick Straight Teeth) the first step is to request a consultation. During your visit we’ll discuss your concerns, take a series of impressions and X-rays. People who are suitable for a specific type of treatment will be able to consider the proposed timeline, estimated costs involved and have their moulds sent to the lab for a digital treatment plan. When it’s prepared you’ll be able to see a proposed replica of your tooth-by-tooth movement and what the end results can look like.
When you’re ready to move forward with treatment we’ll order your trays. Sometimes small attachments (‘buttons’) are also bonded to specific teeth to give your aligners a surface to press or pull against. Occasionally we will slightly reduce the thickness between teeth to create thin spaces for additional tooth movement.
You’ll bring a set of 3-4 trays home at a time. Wear them 24 hours a day except when you’re eating, brushing or flossing your teeth. Not wearing your aligners as directed could lead to relapse and treatment delays. Each week, progress to the next set of aligners in the series.
Throughout your treatment it’s important to practice impeccable oral hygiene. Otherwise you may see buildup or stain accumulation across your teeth and in the aligners. When your treatment is concluded, you’ll also want to wear your retainers each night to maintain your results and prevent relapse. Some people also prefer to whiten their teeth once their orthodontic therapy is concluded.
Now
