Does Invisalign Have To Be Worn At All Times?
Invisalign® clear aligners are the most discreet option when it comes to straightening teeth. These orthodontic appliances are transparent, rigid plastic trays that improve the alignment of teeth by slowly moving them towards a better alignment.
For treatment with Invisalign® to be effective, the patient does not have to wear their aligner tray 24/7, but they do need to wear it for at least 20 hours daily. Anything less will hinder the effectiveness of treatment. People who might have a hard time wearing their oral appliance as directed by a dentist might be better off exploring other options like braces that are permanently fixed in place. Braces allow patients to go about their day to day lives without having to worry about the effectiveness of their treatment.
Straightening teeth with clear aligners like Invisalign®
Treatment with clear aligners like Invisalign® starts with a consultation with a general dentist. The dentist will perform a visual inspection of the patient's teeth and use tests like x-rays to view what is going on beneath the patient's gums. Clear aligners can be used to fix problems like:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Invisalign clear aligners are most effective when used to treat orthodontic issues that are caused by the patient's teeth being poorly-positioned. Orthodontic issues caused by irregular jaw positioning are better treated with other orthodontic devices like braces and expanders.
Once the dentist has determined clear aligners are the way to go, digital images are used to create a 3D model of the patient's teeth. The data is projected on a screen where projections of what the patient's teeth will look like with treatment are made. Once the dentist and patient are satisfied with how the treatment will progress, they will determine goals and timelines.
The data will be sent to a dental lab and then it can take up two weeks for the patient's aligner trays to be ready. Once ready, the general dentist will educate the patient about how to wear their trays, remove them and clean them. The patient will be advised to wear their trays for at least 20 hours each day, or more, depending on the patient's situation. Failing to wear the Invisalign aligners for the determined time can lead to teeth reverting to their original position. Additionally, this can lead to an improper fit.
Benefits of Invisalign®
People who wear Invisalign® clear aligners get to enjoy a few benefits people who opt for other options like braces do not always get to enjoy. These include:
- Clear aligners are virtually impossible to detect when a person is wearing them.
- Clear aligners are removable, preventing them from getting in the way during meals or when the mouth is being cleaned.
- Treatment times with clear aligners are often shorter. Some issues can be fixed in as little as 10 weeks.
Get started with Invisalign
Want to learn more about the Invisalign process and how often aligners have to be worn? Reach out today to get started with. a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.atlantisdentist.com or call Atlantis Dental Care P.A. at (561) 965-9988 for an appointment in our Atlantis office.
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