Like traditional braces, Invisalign® is designed to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth and gaps. Instead of periodically having wires tightened like with braces, Invisalign® patients are given a series of near-invisible aligners. Each successive set of aligners is designed to push the patient's teeth closer to their ideal alignment.
One of the advantages of Invisalign® is that it can be taken out when a patient needs to eat or brush their teeth. However, this advantage can quickly become a disadvantage when patients are non-compliant. Most dental professionals advise their patients that they need to wear their Invisalign® trays as close to 23 hours per day as possible.
Because it is easy to remove Invisalign® at any point, some patients go for several hours without wearing their aligners. Even in this relatively short period, it is possible to lose progress. Each time a patient goes without aligners, teeth can shift back to where they were before treatment. When done frequently, this can result in Invisalign® treatment not working.
Invisalign® can be used to correct almost every issue that traditional braces can. However, for certain severe issues, a patient's dentist may recommend alternative treatment. For patients with the following issues, Invisalign® may not be effective:
Before prescribing Invisalign® or a similar orthodontic treatment, a dental professional will thoroughly examine a patient's teeth to see whether Invisalign® is the right option.
When used correctly, Invisalign® will not cause tooth problems. Patients do need to be very careful to brush their teeth before putting aligners back in. Because aligners fit very tightly to the teeth, they stop saliva from reaching the teeth's surface. Without saliva, food particles cannot be efficiently broken down, and plaque, cavities and other dental issues may occur.
In order to avoid potential problems, Invisalign® patients should make sure they brush and floss their teeth after eating and before placing the aligners. The prescribing provider will usually go over optimal dental hygiene with a patient before fitting them with their first set of aligners.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in San Francisco, CA.
Patients who have been wondering, "Does Invisalign® really work?" may be relieved to know that with careful compliance and good dental hygiene, the answer is almost always yes. For patients interested in Invisalign® for achieving a better smile, it is a good idea to reach out to a dental professional to make an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Serenity Dental Spa at 415-376-6196 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for oral health care. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, biannual appointments are necessary to protect the integrity of your oral health, regardless of age. During these appointments, the general dentist and their team perform check-ups and recommend preventative…
A dentist may install a crown or cap to restore a tooth's function and shape. Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics or CEREC® is an increasingly popular crown option among dentists and patients.Most dental crowns consist of metal, resin, ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain with metal. The placement of a traditional crown requires two visits to…
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first…
General dentists are the primary dental professionals people visit once or twice per year for…
Same-day crowns help dentists preserve more of a patient's natural tooth.
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon.…
A full arch All-on-4® procedure will give you a great, healthy smile that can last…
Wisdom teeth tend to disrupt the balance of your oral environment. As these third molars…
Patients who have wisdom teeth extraction enjoy having better dental health. This type of oral…
