Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Invisalign: The Removable And Transparent Orthodontic Alternative



If you have always been self-conscious about your smile but never had the time to bother with braces, you might want to consider a clear and simple alternative. Invisalign is the latest orthodontic treatment that makes use of a series of transparent trays or aligners to improve your bite. The aligners are custom-made to fit you and aesthetically pleasing compared to the traditional metal braces.

The orthodontist will begin with a consultation visit wherein your medical and dental history will be reviewed. This will help determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment. Digital x-rays and bite impressions may be taken to assess your bite. If you are deemed an ideal candidate for Invisalign, your bite impressions will be sent off so that your clear aligners can be fabricated.

You will be given your first set of clear trays during the second visit and your orthodontist will instruct you to wear it for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. The aligners will be replaced every two weeks to facilitate the movement of your teeth. The average number of trays used can range from 20 to 25 pairs. It should be noted that more severe cases may require an additional number of trays.

With Invisalign, the patient will be able to savor his or her meals without having to worry about food getting stuck between brackets. To appliance does not require extra maintenance tools – the aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush.

When wearing your clear aligners, you should remember to avoid drinking highly pigmented beverages like grape juice or red wine. Take off your aligners if you plan to drink coffee and tea as well.

If you would like to learn more about this innovative treatment, please call our office serving the Long Island area at 516-626-2060 today.