An Orthodontist Explains How Invisalign Guides Teeth Into a Desired Position

The aligners that come with Invisalign® are completely different than traditional braces. You might be wondering how these small plastic trays can guide your teeth. The answer lies in the fact that you wear them for so many hours each day. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign.

Why plastic aligners can move the teeth

As is the case with any removable braces, it is the aligners’ fit that makes the force to straighten teeth. In the beginning, each aligner fits poorly for a reason. It might feel too tight or a little snug. It can also be hard to take on and off because it is not designed to fit the teeth. It is designed to fit the future alignment of the teeth in two weeks.

Each Invisalign aligner is responsible for one of the treatment steps. The aligner is made on a dental cast. The teeth’s alignment on the dental cast is one stage in several stages to straighten the teeth. This is known as the progressive alteration of the alignment shape.

Every aligner might work in one portion of the mouth. It might fit better in some areas than others. But the areas that it does not fit well in are the ones that will be changed. This might focus on one tooth or several.

That will depend on what movements need to be done at which stage of the treatment. Each aligner will provide gentle, yet constant pressure to the teeth around it. This gradually moves them into an alignment that matches the shape of the tray. So, during the two weeks that the patient wears the aligner, the fit will start to become more comfortable. It is the teeth, not the aligner, that are changing.

Is there any discomfort?

In general, moving teeth can cause some pain for patients. That is even more the case during the first several days of getting a new aligner. It might feel like all of the teeth are being forced around the mouth. But this is not necessarily the case.

With each Invisalign aligner, the teeth are only moving a little bit. Usually, a tooth or group of teeth will move around 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters. This is around one one-hundredth of an inch. Although that might seem very small, the total movement is quite a bit. Consider the fact that a patient might wear anywhere from 10 to 30 aligners or more. This is enough to transform the patient’s crooked old smile into a new one.

Cleaning and maintaining Invisalign trays

Having clear aligners is an investment. Even so, many people get this dental straightening system because of its many advantages. If the patient fails to care for the aligners, the stains can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. The discoloration is unsightly as well. Here are some tips on how to keep these clear aligners in tip-top condition:

• Brushing Invisalign trays two times a day can help remove food particles and minor stains from the surfaces of the aligners. This also clears away the dried saliva. Maintaining this practice helps prevent bad breath from developing.
• Soaking the trays for about two hours a day is enough. A soaking solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. This practice will help kill the bacteria accumulating on the aligners. It then prevents possible oral infection.

Cleaning stained aligners

If the aligners are already stained, cleaning them will need more effort. There is a technique the patient can do at home. The solution is a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Soaking the aligners for at least 30 minutes in this solution will start off the technique. Scrubbing the aligners with a soft toothbrush and cold water will follow.

The next method is using a professional soaking kit. This is available at the attending dentist’s clinic. The kit has crystal solutions that remove stains and kill bacteria. Reading the instructions carefully can help achieve this result.

Preventing stains

Flossing and brushing at least two times a day can prevent food and plaque from sticking to the aligners. It can also prevent dental problems from developing. Dentists recommend keeping the aligners in a soaking solution when they are not in use. Exposing them to air will dry them out. Keeping the aligners in a hard case can protect them from dirt and debris. Another important mode of stain prevention is not to drink or eat while wearing the clear Invisalign aligners.

Visit an orthodontist today for Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of small movements to move your teeth. The reason it can do this is that it places constant pressure on your teeth. The teeth move just a bit with every new aligner, but you may have a few dozen. Doing your part by wearing the aligners consistently is important to see results. Visiting an orthodontist for a consultation today is the first step toward transforming your smile.

Request an appointment here: http://www.pricefamilyortho.com or call Price Family Orthodontics at (972) 528-5519 for an appointment in our Frisco office.

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