Like traditional braces, Invisalign® is designed to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth and gaps. Instead of periodically having wires tightened like with braces, Invisalign® patients are given a series of near-invisible aligners. Each successive set of aligners is designed to push the patient's teeth closer to their ideal alignment.
One of the advantages of Invisalign® is that it can be taken out when a patient needs to eat or brush their teeth. However, this advantage can quickly become a disadvantage when patients are non-compliant. Most dental professionals advise their patients that they need to wear their Invisalign® trays as close to 23 hours per day as possible.
Because it is easy to remove Invisalign® at any point, some patients go for several hours without wearing their aligners. Even in this relatively short period, it is possible to lose progress. Each time a patient goes without aligners, teeth can shift back to where they were before treatment. When done frequently, this can result in Invisalign® treatment not working.
Invisalign® can be used to correct almost every issue that traditional braces can. However, for certain severe issues, a patient's dentist may recommend alternative treatment. For patients with the following issues, Invisalign® may not be effective:
Before prescribing Invisalign® or a similar orthodontic treatment, a dental professional will thoroughly examine a patient's teeth to see whether Invisalign® is the right option.
When used correctly, Invisalign® will not cause tooth problems. Patients do need to be very careful to brush their teeth before putting aligners back in. Because aligners fit very tightly to the teeth, they stop saliva from reaching the teeth's surface. Without saliva, food particles cannot be efficiently broken down, and plaque, cavities and other dental issues may occur.
In order to avoid potential problems, Invisalign® patients should make sure they brush and floss their teeth after eating and before placing the aligners. The prescribing provider will usually go over optimal dental hygiene with a patient before fitting them with their first set of aligners.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Services in Fort Lee, NJ.
Patients who have been wondering, "Does Invisalign® really work?" may be relieved to know that with careful compliance and good dental hygiene, the answer is almost always yes. For patients interested in Invisalign® for achieving a better smile, it is a good idea to reach out to a dental professional to make an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Fort Lee Family Dental at 201-620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are customized to the teeth of each individual patient. Invisalign is discreet, so few will know you are wearing aligners. Start straightening your smile with Invisalign today.Does Invisalign Really WorkAt Fort Lee Family Dental in Fort Lee, we work to customize your treatment to match your…
Dental bonding offers a practical way to address imperfections without extensive procedures. Small chips, uneven edges, minor gaps, and stubborn discoloration can draw attention even when overall oral health remains stable. A dentist can use bonding to refine the look of a smile while preserving most of the natural tooth structure in a single appointment.Dental…
It is well known that routine dental care is essential to the maintenance of a patient’s oral health, but the reasons why are not always as clear. Patients who have questions regarding dental care should consult with a dentist for help in understanding the importance of properly caring for their teeth.The following are common questions…
Dental bonding offers a practical way to address imperfections without extensive procedures.
It is well known that routine dental care is essential to the maintenance of a…
A crucial component of being healthy is routine dental care. When oral health is ignored,…
A kid-friendly dentist focuses on the whole child, not just the teeth.
Most healthy dental patients are recommended to visit the dentist for routine dental care, which…
Incorporating good habits into routine dental care on a daily basis can help teeth and…
