Thinking About Invisalign Trays? A Few Questions You May Have
Posted on: 1 November 2018
Malocclusions, or imperfect teeth positions, not only affect your appearance, they can cause uneven wear on surfaces, exacerbate TMJ disorders, and make it hard to floss interproximal areas. Thankfully, there are many orthodontic options out there to try. You might want to consider Invisalign trays. Here are a few questions you may have about Invisalign.
What's the Examination Like to Receive Invisalign?
The first few examinations will be the lengthiest since the dentist or orthodontist will want to make sure that you have the appropriate treatment for your case. Your dentist will make measurements of bilateral symmetry and vertical proportions. He or she will also take diagnostic casts, radiographic images, and photographic images. All of this data will help your dentist explain the course of the planned treatment and help you see differences with "before" and "after" pictures.
How are Invisalign Trays Made?
Once you've been given the go-ahead with Invisalign, your dentist will make you custom trays. There are a couple of ways to make these trays. Your dentist can use a wand-like scanner to capture your teeth and then enter that information into the computer. Some offices have computer-aided design programs that can print out these trays after they receive scanned images.
Your dentist can also take alginate impressions of your teeth. These temporary impressions are then finalized into plaster impressions. The plaster impressions can be used as a mold. The dental lab can heat a sheet of plastic over the mold (known as vacuum-forming or thermoforming) to create your custom tray.
These trays are usually changed out every couple of weeks as your teeth shift. Your dentist or orthodontist will do a quality check at your appointments to make sure that the trays are trimmed and comfortable. They will also make sure that the trays are moving everything in the right direction.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign Trays?
There are numerous benefits of Invisalign. Many people love that they are clear, so others won't notice the braces at all unless they are looking closely. It's much easier to keep your teeth and gums clean because the trays are removable. You won't have dietary restrictions like you would with traditional braces since you don't have to worry about wires or brackets snapping.
Can Anyone Get Invisalign Trays?
Although some kids get Invisalign, this route is typically better for adults or older teens. The Invisalign trays can get misplaced if you take them out for eating, so it's better to have an older patient since he or she will likely be more responsible. Invisalign trays are also better suited for those with mild malocclusions. If you have a severe bite defect, you could transition from traditional braces to Invisalign as your bite improves. Invisalign trays are also only recommended for those with good oral hygiene. If you don't adequately brush/floss your teeth or clean your trays, then debris can become trapped between the tray and your teeth, making it easier for decay to take over.
To get answers to all of your questions, contact a dentist or orthodontist in your area as soon as you can.
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