Invisalign Clear Aligners Are The Clear Path to a Straighter Smile

In past decades, people who wanted straighter teeth had to wear bulky metal braces that could be both uncomfortable and unsightly. However, modern advances in orthodontics have led to teeth straightening options such as Invisalign, which is a system for fixing mild malocclusion and crooked teeth with clear aligners. With Invisalign, beautifying your smile can be discreet and comfortable. 

What Are Clear Aligners?

Invisalign was introduced in the latter part of the 1990s as an alternative to metal braces with wires and brackets. These ultra-thin clear aligners are transparent, so they offer people with mild malocclusion a more appealing solution for straightening teeth. Clear aligners work similarly to metal braces by gently, consistently moving teeth to straighter positions. 

Your Customized Solution

To set you up with Invisalign, your dentist will take 3D scans of your upper and lower teeth. Then, they use putty to make a mold of your teeth and mouth. These molds are sent to a specialized laboratory, where highly trained technicians use the shape of your mouth to design your aligners. 

Orthodontic Issues Fixed With Invisalign

While Invisalign was designed to correct mildly crooked teeth and crowding, other conditions can also benefit from clear aligners. These include:

• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Gapped teeth
• Underbite
• Crowding
• Unevenly-spaced teeth
• Openbite

Enjoying Your Favorite Foods

If you ever had metal braces, you likely experienced giving up some of your favorite foods. For example, corn on the cob was notorious for getting stuck in metal braces, and popcorn was just as unfriendly. However, Invisalign aligners are removable. This means you can eat all of your favorite treats. Just be sure to put the aligners back in after you eat and brush your teeth. 

24/7 Commitment

After you eat your favorite foods, it is important to remember to promptly put your aligners back in. For them to be effective, your Invisalign aligners need to be worn nearly 24 hours a day. You can remove them to eat, brush and floss your teeth, and clean the aligners. 

Not an Overnight Solution

It takes time to straighten teeth with metal braces, and it also takes time for Invisalign clear aligners to give you the smile you dream of. The entire Invisalign process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. 

The Invisalign Process

When you get your first set of aligners from your dentist, you will wear them for about 14 days. Then, you will get your second set from the dentist. About every two weeks, you will return to your dentist’s office for another set of aligners. 

Cleaning Invisalign Aligners

Before you go to bed at night, you need to clean your Invisalign aligners with water and soap or a solution recommended by your dentist. Cleaning crystals specially designed for Invisalign are also available. 

Invisalign Dental Aligners in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Anthony Quihuis and the team at Shine Dental Arts in Phoenix, Arizona, are here to help you achieve the most beautiful smile of your life with clear orthodontic braces. Call us today at (480) 893-3072 or use our online form to request an appointment.

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