For most people a mouthful of straight teeth is their idea of a great smile. Some of us have them, and others don't.
Braces were once considered strictly for children, but today, more adults are choosing orthodontics for a beautiful smile. There are a variety of braces that are used for adults including translucent ceramic braces that are harder than conventional steel braces and more aesthetically pleasing.
Braces are applied to the surface of the teeth and the wires that hold the braces together are periodically adjusted, to stimulate the movement of the teeth in the desired direction.
If teeth are properly aligned and the bite is good, the teeth, gums and jaws will most likely be healthy. A poor bite can loosen, chip or wear down teeth prematurely as well as strain jaw joints and cause pain.
There are several things that cause teeth to be crooked and move out of line: poor jaw alignment, loss of the first teeth before they're ready to come out, or the inherited trait of large teeth and a small jaw.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
Invisalign® uses a series of clear removable aligners (pictured to the right) to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthdontic practices nationwide.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist or dentist has prescribed.
You'll visit your orthodontist or dentist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.
