A straighter smile can be very attractive and while it may be achieved through using multiple porcelain veneers, a more conservative option is to consider adult orthodontics. One popular solution is Invisalign®.
What Is Invisalign?
Suitable for a wide range of orthodontic problems, this adult-oriented orthodontic system will discreetly straighten your teeth using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. Invisalign is extremely easy to use as you simply need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day, only removing them whenever you wish to eat, or to brush and floss your teeth.
Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks before being exchanged for a new set that will continue to move your teeth into predetermined positions. Treatment continues until your teeth are straight which takes an average of a year, but some people may complete treatment more quickly or need a bit longer.
A straighter smile can be very attractive and one popular way to achieve it is Invisalign®
Who Should Consider Invisalign?
You may wish to consider this treatment if you have unsightly spaces between your teeth, or if your teeth are overcrowded and overlapping. Invisalign can also be used to correct bite problems that include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
What Is the Treatment Process for Invisalign?
Dr. Baharloo is our experienced Invisalign provider here at Vancity Dental. An initial consultation will allow you to discover if Invisalign is right for you, and to learn much more about what to expect during the treatment process. If you decide to go ahead, Dr. Baharloo will need to take x-rays, photos and dental impressions of your teeth which are used to plan treatment.
Using Invisalign’s specialized software, our Vancouver dentist will plan each tooth movement. The nice thing about this software is that it creates virtual images of your teeth so you will be able to see your new smile before treatment even begins. Once you start to wear your aligners, you will need to come back to see us here at Vancity Dental at regular intervals so that we can ensure treatment is progressing exactly as planned so that we can provide you with more aligners as required.
If you have always wondered about straightening up your smile, contact Vancity Dental to book your consultation.
Retainers
Retainers are dental appliances that aid in straightening the teeth, particularly after braces. Wearing a retainer can help keep the teeth aligned and prevent them from shifting back to their original position after braces come off, making them an important tool in orthodontics.
When Retainers Are Used
Retainers are most often used to maintain the position of your teeth after braces are removed. Once an orthodontist removes your braces, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original position. To prevent this, your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer after your braces come off for several months to a year. Be sure to ask about the specific length of time you’ll need to wear a retainer for it to be effective, as treatment times vary.
Another use for retainers is to slowly move the teeth into a more desirable position. However, they can only be used for small corrections that don’t require traditional orthodontic treatments, such as braces.
In some cases, orthodontic patients will only be given a single retainer for the top arch of teeth or the bottom arch of teeth. In other cases, retainers for both the top and bottom arches might be necessary.