We all have features and physical traits that make us appear as we are, and easily one of the most memorable and distinctive features each of us has is our smiles.
Bigger procedures like braces can be extremely expensive though and can result in less attractive smiles while waiting for the teeth to correct. This is a hurdle that Invisalign has targeted and solved through its simple and comfortable retainers.
But how does Invisalign work? We’ll explore that below and the overall benefits of cosmetic dentistry.
If you’re already curious about Invisalign and want to learn more in person for a free consultation and get $500 off your order of Invisalign we’re offering both of those at Kaizen Dental until the end of 2019!
How Does Invisalign Work and What Does the Process Look Like?
So how does Invisalign work on fixing your teeth? Like most dental work, the process starts with a consultation to help see what the end result will look like.
A scan of your mouth is taken to get a digital model of your mouth which is the basis for creating the Invisalign retainer.
The retainer is then 3D printed using SmartTrack® material (which is designed to be as comfortable as possible), trimmed, and quality checked before it’s sent back.
You’ll then receive your aligners and be given a breakdown by your dental professional which explains what to expect when using them. We will also ensure they fit properly and answer any questions you might have.
From there, Invisalign works more or less invisibly on your smile to align it, fix your bite, straighten, fix crowding, and generally straighten your teeth as needed based on your mouth.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Invisalign Retainer
In terms of care, you just need to make sure to take it out for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. You’ll also need to clean it by brushing your teeth before putting it back in to avoid getting bacteria built up on your teeth.
Each set of retainers are worn for one to two weeks before changing them. You’ll have another consultation to find out if there needs to be an adjustment with a doctor every six to eight weeks until your smile and mouth are right where they need to be.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry and How Can It Improve Your Smile?
Firstly, the term ‘cosmetic dentistry’ can be a bit misleading. Cosmetic dentistry overall covers improving people’s smiles, but it can also cover other procedures that help improve your teeth in other ways.
While it does cover treatments like teeth whitening and veneers (both of which would be considered more of a cosmetic treatment), there are plenty of other treatments under the banner of cosmetic dentistry that are important dental work for your oral health.
For example, dental bonding and implants are both common procedures under the cosmetic dentistry banner. Dental bonding refers to the process of bonding material to teeth to repair decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth and dental implants refer to replacement teeth.
Other treatments that fall under cosmetic dentistry include dental crowns, inlays and onlays, dental bridges, and even braces. Invisalign also falls under this category as well.
Invisalign can radically change your smile and your teeth without the pain (both financially and physical) of other procedures like braces and other expensive retainers. It makes sense then to consider it, or other cosmetic dentistry, as a potential option to adjust your smile.