Orthodontic treatment for adults has come a long way in recent years. It used to be that, if you didn’t correct your tooth alignment during your younger years, you would end up with a crooked smile forever. Well, that’s not the case anymore with advanced cosmetic treatments such as Invisalign.
What is Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment is a type of teeth straightening treatment , commonly referred to as clear-aligners, that are designed by an orthodontist to help straighten your teeth.
Invisalign was originally developed in 1997 by Zia Chishti, in California, after struggling with his own orthodontic retainer treatment.
Invisalign acts as a transparent and non-fixed alternative to other teeth alignment treatments such as braces or metal retainers.
How does Invisalign Treatment work?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners that you need to change every 1-2 weeks until your teeth have moved into the correct position. Each set of aligners builds on the previous set’s work, so set by set they are straightening your teeth over the course of your treatment.
The aligners are made from a clear, medical grade plastic so are virtually invisible. They look like a very thin sports mouthguard and are tailored to fit the individual shape of your teeth and jaw. It is recommended you wear them for 20-22 hours per day to get the best results, but this means you can take them out for meals and when cleaning your teeth. They also give you the flexibility to take them out for family occasions or important client meetings at work.
Metal braces are the most common type of braces. Developed from a high-grade stainless steel, they are small in size, and designed to improve your comfort.
Clear braces are made from translucent material and are most popular with adults due to their cosmetic appeal. There are a few minor inconveniences to ceramic brackets. They are more fragile in design and discolouring can sometimes occur with the elastic ties between orthodontic visits.
