The Ins and Outs of Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option to straighten out teeth using a series of custom made clear aligners, specifically for you. Invisalign trays are less noticeable than braces and can be taken on and off. The Invisalign trays have movements built in that slowly move your teeth into the ideal position over time. Invisalign aligners are designed to move each tooth individually so if you have veneers or crowns, Invisalign treatment is still an option. Dr. Markova, at VCO Orthodontics in Arlington, will be happy to evaluate your individual needs.

Moss times attachments are necessary to place different pressure points on your teeth. Attachments are small, tooth-colored composite bumps that are bonded to certain teeth, which allow the aligners to fit snugly on the teeth in order to move them toward the ideal position. Attachments are placed by Dr. Markova and have different configurations for different movement positions. In order to see the Invisalign attachments, someone would have to be standing about 1 foot away from your mouth. They are really quite invisible!

Buttons are another small auxiliary that can be added into your treatment as well. These can be tooth colored or metal depending what tooth it is placed on. The buttons act as an anchor to attach rubber bands to. Rubber band wear helps bring your bite together and can help align your midlines.

Invisalign treatment does not impact your day-to-day significantly. The only differences are Invisalign trays need to be worn at least 22 hours a day in order for them to be effective. Since the trays can be taken out, there are no limits to what you can eat or drink (just be careful with things like coffee or curry that can stain or discolor the attachments!). The ability to take them out also allows for normal brushing and flossing. Since the Invisalign trays are clear, most people may not know you even have them. Your speech might be affected initially, with a slight lisp, but after a couple days, your tongue will adjust to the trays and there should be no issue with speaking normally. It is also normal for you to experience a little bit of discomfort or pressure the first few days of a new tray.

To create the custom Invisalign aligners, we take an initial, 3D digital scan of your teeth using our iTero scanner. Throughout treatment, refinement scans with our iTero scanner are necessary to make additional trays to continue the process of moving your teeth into the ideal position. Refinement scans allow us to order a new set of aligners that fit ideally for the best tooth movements. After you have reached the ideal smile, you will be finished with treatment. However, the work is not done yet! You will be given a set of retainers that will need to be worn for the rest of your life if you don't want your teeth to shift. The amount of wear time changes over time and differs from each person.